A molecule that can act as a genetic material must fulfill the traits given below, except
Answer: (C) It should be unstable structurally and chemically. Answer: (C) It should be unstable structurally and chemically.
- A.It should be able to express itself in the form of 'Mendelian characters'
- B.It should be able to generate its replica
- C.It should be unstable structurally and chemically✓
- D.It should provide the scope for slow changes that are required for evolution
Correct Answer
(C) It should be unstable structurally and chemically
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (C) It should be unstable structurally and chemically. Solution: NCERT lists the criteria for genetic material as: ability to replicate, chemical and structural STABILITY, scope for slow mutational changes, and ability to express Mendelian characters. Hence the 'unstable' statement is the exception (it is the opposite of the required stability). NCERT Ch 5, p.87, lines 11-16: "(i) 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)... (iv) It should be able to express itself in the form of 'Mendelian Characters'."
