Properties of Genetic Material — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2016Trait not required for a molecule to be genetic material: (NEET 2016 Phase 2)
Trait not required for a molecule to be genetic material: (NEET 2016 Phase 2)
Answer & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: A — Be unstable
Genetic material must be stable, not unstable. The essential traits are: stability for inheritance, ability to replicate for passing to offspring, express traits (Mendelian characters), and allow mutations for evolution. Instability would prevent proper inheritance and make the molecule unsuitable as genetic material. DNA's stability makes it ideal for storing genetic information.
Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ
It should be able to generate its replica (Replication). (ii) It should be stable chemically and structurally. (iii) It should provide the scope for slow changes (mutation) that are required for evolution. (iv) It should be able to express itself in the form of 'Mendelian Characters'.
NTA tests whether students understand the four essential properties that define an ideal genetic material: replication ability, chemical stability, capacity for mutation, and expression as traits. Students often memorize these properties without understanding their significance—for example, confusing 'stability' with 'immutability' or failing to recognize why mutation is necessary despite requiring stability. Remember: genetic material must be stable enough to preserve information across generations but flexible enough to allow mutations for evolution. DNA satisfies all four criteria, making it the universal genetic material. Focus on why each property matters functionally, not just listing them.
What does NCERT say about It should be able?
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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.