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.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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.

If the Hypothesis That Protocells Arose in a "RNA World