Which of the following statements about DNA and RNA is true?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) RNA has multiple roles including catalytic functions

• RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) is a versatile molecule that performs various roles in cells, such as messenger RNA (mRNA) for protein coding, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) for structural support and catalysis in ribosomes, and transfer RNA (tRNA) for delivering amino acids during translation.

• Some RNA molecules, known as ribozymes, have catalytic activity, meaning they can catalyze biochemical reactions—an ability once thought to be exclusive to proteins.

• These diverse functions of RNA go beyond simple information transfer, distinguishing it from DNA.

• mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes.

• rRNA forms the core of ribosome structure and catalyzes peptide bond formation.

• tRNA brings amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis.

• Ribozymes like RNase P and self-splicing introns perform enzymatic activities.

• The RNA world hypothesis suggests RNA was the original biomolecule for both genetic information and catalysis.

• Option B is incorrect: DNA stores genetic information but does not act as a messenger; mRNA performs that role.

• Option C is incorrect: RNA is the genetic material only in some viruses, not in all living organisms. Most living organisms use DNA.

• Option D is incorrect: Many viruses (e.g., Herpesvirus, Adenovirus) contain DNA as their genetic material; others (e.g., HIV, Influenza) use RNA.