Which statement about the "RNA world" model is true?
A) Self-catalytic DNA was the first nucleic acid.
B) DNA was translated directly into protein.
C) Ribozymes are able to catalyze the formation of peptide linkages.
D) RNA was reverse transcribed into DNA before being transcribed and translated into proteins.
E) All RNA sequences act as ribozymes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The RNA world model proposes that before DNA and proteins, RNA acted as the genetic material and also had catalytic properties. Ribozymes, or catalytic RNA molecules, were able to catalyze chemical reactions, including the formation of peptide linkages in the synthesis of proteins.

Answer: D
 Some versions of the RNA world model propose that RNA was reverse transcribed into DNA before being transcribed and translated into proteins. This hypothesis suggests that RNA served as an intermediary between the genetic information encoded in DNA and the functional proteins that are synthesized from that information. However, this hypothesis is still being debated and is not universally accepted.

Which Statement About the "RNA World" Model Is True