A current leading hypothesis about the first system of inheritance in the earliest life-forms involves
A)self-replicating DNA molecules (the "DNA world" hypothesis).
B)self-replicating RNA molecules aided by ribozymes.
C)proteins that served as templates for RNA molecules, leading to the formation of DNA.
D)self-replicating polypeptides aided by ribosomes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The leading hypothesis about the first system of inheritance in the earliest life-forms is based on self-replicating RNA molecules aided by ribozymes, along with some enzymes and other molecules. This hypothesis is supported by laboratory studies and chemical analysis, which have shown that RNA molecules can catalyze their own replication and evolution. The so-called "RNA world" hypothesis suggests that RNA was the first genetic material and played a key role in the origin of life, before being replaced by DNA-based systems. Although there are still many uncertainties and open questions about this hypothesis, it is currently the most widely accepted model of early evolution.

A Current Leading Hypothesis About the First System of Inheritance