The fact that a nucleic acid is a very complicated molecule suggests that
A) the RNA-first hypothesis is impossible.
B) the protein-first hypothesis is therefore the only plausible hypothesis.
C) sophisticated enzymes were not present or available to synthesize it.
D) no natural system could ever generate them.
E) RNA could not have arisen on its own by chance, but required enzymes to guide the synthesis of nucleotides and nucleic acids.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The complexity of nucleic acids implies that their synthesis likely required catalytic assistance, such as that from enzymes, rather than occurring purely by chance. This does not rule out the RNA-first hypothesis but suggests a more complex prebiotic chemistry.

The Fact That a Nucleic Acid Is a Very Complicated