RNA vs DNA as Genetic Material — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2023Given below are two statements: (NEET 2023) Statement I: RNA being unstable, it mutates at a faster rate. Statement II: RNA can directly code for synthesis of proteins hence can easily express the characters. Choose the correct answer:
Given below are two statements: (NEET 2023) Statement I: RNA being unstable, it mutates at a faster rate. Statement II: RNA can directly code for synthesis of proteins hence can easily express the characters. Choose the correct answer:
Answer & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: C — Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
Both statements are correct. RNA is unstable due to 2'-OH group and lacks 3'-exonuclease proofreading, causing faster mutations. RNA can directly code for proteins as mRNA without transcription step needed (unlike DNA which needs transcription first). This makes RNA both mutagenic and capable of direct protein synthesis for character expression.
Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ
RNA can directly code for the synthesis of proteins, hence can easily express the characters. DNA, however, is dependent on RNA for synthesis of proteins. The protein synthesising machinery has evolved around RNA. The above discussion indicate that both RNA and DNA can function as
NTA tests whether students understand that both RNA and DNA can function as genetic material and direct protein synthesis. While DNA requires RNA as an intermediary (DNA → mRNA → Protein), RNA can directly code for proteins without needing DNA (RNA → Protein). The common trap is thinking only DNA is genetic material or confusing their roles in gene expression. Remember: RNA is more versatile and likely evolved first as genetic material. In some viruses, RNA itself is the hereditary material. The key concept NTA checks is understanding the dual potential of these molecules as genetic materials, not just their roles in central dogma.
What does NCERT say about RNA can directly code?
Has this concept appeared in NEET?
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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.