Q180 / 200 · NEET 2023 (All India) · Zoology

Given below are two statements:

Statement I: RNA mutates at a faster rate.

Statement II: Viruses having RNA genome and shorter life span mutate and evolve faster.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • A
    Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
  • Correct answer
    B
    Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
  • C
    Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
  • D
    Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

Solution

RNA contains 

  • A ribose sugar
  • A phosphate group
  • Purines (like A and G) and pyrimidines (like C and U).

Being unstable, which is due to the hydroxyl group present at the 2'-carbon of the ribose, RNA mutates faster than DNA. That is also the reason that viruses having RNA genome and shorter life span mutate and evolve faster.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

Relevant Questions