[Campbell Biology P.577] According to the text, what was a key advantage that led to DNA rep... | Practice Question

According to the text, what was a key advantage that led to DNA replacing RNA as the primary genetic material in later protocells?

  • A: DNA molecules are more chemically stable than RNA molecules.
  • B: DNA could replicate faster than RNA.
  • C: DNA allowed for simpler genetic information storage.
  • D: RNA was unable to serve as a template for protein synthesis.

Explanation

The text states: 'Double-stranded DNA is a more chemically stable repository for genetic information than is the more fragile RNA. DNA also can be replicated more accurately.' This chemical stability and accuracy were key advantages for DNA to become the primary genetic material, especially as genomes grew larger.