Question

Write four criteria to be fulfilled by a molecule to act as a genetic material.

Hint:

A genetic material must replicate, be stable, allow slow mutation, and express itself as characters.

Answer 1

Step 1: Give four criteria:
1. It should be able to replicate, that is, to make its own copy.
2. It should be chemically and structurally stable.
3. It should provide scope for slow changes (mutation) that are needed for evolution.
4. It should be able to express itself in the form of Mendelian characters.

Step 2: Why these matter:
DNA meets all four points, so it is preferred over RNA for most organisms. RNA is less stable because of its 2 prime OH group.

Final Answer:
A genetic material must replicate, be stable, allow mutation, and express as characters.