2023 Molecular Basis of InheritanceThe Genetic Material – RNA World Medium Question 29 of 200 in Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Given below are two statements: Statement I: RNA mutates at a faster rate. Statement II: Viruses having RNA genome and shorter life span mutate and evolve faster. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
B Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
C Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
D Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

The answer is B.

Solution

RNA is unstable and mutates faster, so RNA viruses with short life spans evolve faster.

RNA mutates at a faster rate because it is unstable. Therefore, viruses having RNA genome and shorter life span mutate and evolve at faster rates.

Concept mutation rate of RNA viruses

Molecular Basis of Inheritance in past papers

200 questions from this chapter have appeared across 27 exam years.