Evaluate the suitability of DNA and RNA as genetic material and juistify the suitability of the one that is preferred as an ideal genetic material.
Answers
Answer:
The difference between DNA and RNA explains the reason why DNA serves as the genetic material instead of RNA. By comparing DNA and RNA, it is evident that both the nucleic acids are able to replicate. Stability is an important criterion for continuity. DNA fulfils this criterion. This point was proved in Griffith’s experiment. The heat-killed S strain bacteria retained their virulent property when appropriate conditions were provided. In the case of RNA, 2‘-OH group present in them make them more reactive. Hence, DNA is proved to be less reactive chemically and more stable structurally than RNA. Thymine makes DNA more stable than RNA, where it is substituted by uracil.
Answer:
The search for the hereditary material in the organisms began long ago. Earlier, some debated that protein is the hereditary material. But later, the experiments revealed that DNA is the genetic material which is responsible for the inheritance of traits. Hershey-Chase’s experiment proved it unambiguously. However, the hunt for the hereditary material continued and studies showed that RNA replaces DNA in some viruses like Tobacco, Mosaic virus, QB bacteriophage, etc., why? What are the properties of genetic materials? What is the difference between DNA and RNA? Let’s discuss the answers to these questions.