Human Genome Project Goals — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptSome of the important goals of HGP were as follows:
Which of the following statements accurately describe the roles and properties of RNA and DNA in the context of the early evolution of life? S1: RNA's dual capacity to store genetic information and catalyze biochemical reactions (as ribozymes) is a cornerstone of the hypothesis proposing it as the first genetic material. S2: DNA, with its chemically stable structure, the absence of a reactive 2'-OH group, and double-stranded nature, emerged as a superior molecule for long-term genetic information storage compared to RNA. S3: Although proteins are highly efficient enzymes, their inability to self-replicate or directly carry inheritable genetic instructions meant they could not serve as the primary genetic material in the earliest life forms. S4: The fundamental machinery for protein synthesis, including the catalytic activity of ribosomal RNA, evolved around RNA, providing further support for a primordial RNA-centric biological system. S5: The presence of thymine at the place of uracil in DNA significantly increases its instability, making it more prone to mutation and degradation than RNA.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: A — S1, S2, S3 and S4 are correct
The core concept tested is the assertion that RNA was the first genetic material due to its dual functionality. Let's evaluate each statement: S1: The NCERT text explicitly states that RNA can act both as genetic material and a catalyst, providing evidence that it was the first genetic material. This statement is correct. S2: DNA is chemically less reactive and structurally more stable than RNA due to the absence of the 2'-OH group and its double-stranded nature, making it better for long-term genetic information storage. This statement is correct. S3: For a molecule to be genetic material, it must be able to generate its replica and be stable. Proteins fail to fulfill the first criterion. This statement is correct. S4: The protein synthesising machinery has evolved around RNA, with rRNA acting as a catalyst (ribozyme) for peptide bond formation. This statement is correct. S5: The presence of thymine at the place of uracil confers *additional stability* to DNA, it does not increase instability or make it more prone to mutation and degradation. Therefore, this statement is NOT correct. Thus, statements S1, S2, S3, and S4 are correct. Incorrect options: B. Excludes S4 which is correct. C. Excludes S1 which is correct. D. Includes S5 which is incorrect and excludes S2, S4 which are correct. The final answer is A. Recap: RNA is considered the first genetic material due to its capacity to store genetic information and act as a catalyst. DNA evolved as a more stable genetic material for storage, while the protein synthesis machinery, including catalytic rRNA, highlights RNA's central role in early life.
What does NCERT say about Some important goals HGP?
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Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 88 of 90 questions from the NEET 2026 paper were matched straight from the MedicNEET Biology question bank.
88/90MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.