Class 12 · Molecular Basis of Inheritance

RNA vs DNA as Genetic Material — NEET Biology

✅ Asked in NEET 2023
📖 NCERT Source

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

NCERT Biology · Class 12 · Chapter 5 · Paragraph 48
How NTA Uses This Concept

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.

Solve This NEET Question
QuestionNEET 2023

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:

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.

88/90
of the NEET 2026 Biology paper matched from the MedicNEET question bank

MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.

88 of 90 NEET 2026 Biology questions traced to MedicNEET10,000+ Biology questionsHindi + English
Free to start · Hindi + English · 10,000+ questions · NEET 2026 pattern
Related Concepts from Molecular Basis of Inheritance
📘Practice all 84 NEET PYQs from Molecular Basis of Inheritance