Refer to the figure below illustrating the "RNA world" hypothesis. Which statement concerning the figure is true?
A) It shows that complementary base pairing is not required for replication of RNA.
B) It shows that modern RNA is unnecessary for the synthesis of proteins.
C) It shows that complementary base pairing is not required for synthesis of DNA.
D) It shows that one of the initial functions of RNA was information storage.
E) It shows that RNA cannot evolve into DNA, since only three of the four bases are the same.

Question

Refer to the figure below illustrating the "RNA world" hypothesis.  Which statement concerning the figure is true?
A) It shows that complementary base pairing is not required for replication of RNA. 
B) It shows that modern RNA is unnecessary for the synthesis of proteins. 
C) It shows that complementary base pairing is not required for synthesis of DNA. 
D) It shows that one of the initial functions of RNA was information storage. 
E) It shows that RNA cannot evolve into DNA, since only three of the four bases are the same.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The figure shows that RNA molecules can potentially replicate and store information, supporting the RNA world hypothesis, which proposes that RNA was the first self-replicating molecule that led to the evolution of life on Earth. The figure also shows the potential for RNA molecules to catalyze chemical reactions, such as the synthesis of peptides, supporting the idea that RNA could have been the first catalyst for protein synthesis. The figure does not address whether complementary base pairing is required for RNA replication or DNA synthesis, nor does it suggest that RNA cannot evolve into DNA.

Refer to the Figure Below Illustrating the "RNA World" Hypothesis