A molecule that can act as a genetic material must fulfill the traits given below, except
- it should be able to express itself in the form of ‘Mendelian characters’
- it should be unstable structurally and chemically
- it should provide the scope for slow changes that are required for evolution
- it should be able to generate its replica
Answer
(2) it should be unstable structurally and chemically
Solution
As per NCERT, a molecule that can act as a genetic material must fulfil the following criteria:
(i) it should be able to generate its replica (replication);
(ii) it should be stable chemically and structurally;
(iii) it should provide the scope for slow changes (mutation) that are required for evolution;
(iv) it should be able to express itself in the form of 'Mendelian characters'.
∴ Being unstable structurally and chemically is not a trait of genetic material.
Answer: (2)