Asked by Christopher Valleau on Jul 07, 2024
Verified
If the hypothesis that protocells arose in a "RNA world" is correct, which of the following would be necessary to shift to a "DNA world"?
A) an enzyme or reaction capable of converting ribose to deoxyribose in nucleotides
B) enzymes for reverse transcription of RNA into DNA
C) new enzymes to replicate the DNA
D) new enzymes for transcribing DNA back to RNA
E) All of the answer choices list enzymes that would be necessary for a shift from an RNA world to a DNA world.
Ribose
A five-carbon sugar essential in the body for synthesizing nucleotides, DNA, and RNA.
Deoxyribose
A sugar component of DNA molecules, distinguished from ribose by the absence of an oxygen atom on the second carbon.
DNA World
The concept of a "DNA world" refers to the central role of DNA in the biological world as the primary molecule for storing and transmitting genetic information in all living organisms.
- Outline the evolution and heterogeneity of microorganisms, specifically viruses and bacteria.
Verified Answer
AP
Anthony PortilloJul 12, 2024
Final Answer :
E
Explanation :
Each of the listed options (A through D) describes a necessary component for the transition from an RNA world, where RNA serves as both the genetic material and catalytic molecules, to a DNA world, where DNA becomes the primary genetic material. This transition would require mechanisms to convert RNA to DNA (including changing ribose to deoxyribose), replicate DNA, and transcribe DNA back into RNA for protein synthesis.
Learning Objectives
- Outline the evolution and heterogeneity of microorganisms, specifically viruses and bacteria.