Chemical Selection And The RNA World
Review quiz for the topic of chemical selection and the RNA world.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
In the RNA world, what two functions did RNA have?
- A.
Synthesis of lipids
- B.
Storing of genetic information
- C.
Catalysis of chemical reactions
- D.
Participation in transcription and translation
Correct Answer(s)
B. Storing of genetic information
C. Catalysis of chemical reactionsExplanation
RNA had two functions in the RNA world: storing genetic information and catalyzing chemical reactions. RNA could store genetic information because it is made up of nucleotides that can form complementary base pairs, allowing it to carry and transmit genetic information. Additionally, RNA can act as a catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions by serving as an enzyme. This catalytic activity of RNA is known as ribozyme activity and was crucial in early biological processes in the RNA world.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What two mutations occurred that made RNA the favorable macromolecule?
- A.
Ability to form ionic bonds
- B.
Ability to degrade other RNA molecules
- C.
Ability to self-replicate
- D.
Ability to synthesize nucleotides
Correct Answer(s)
C. Ability to self-replicate
D. Ability to synthesize nucleotidesExplanation
The two mutations that occurred and made RNA the favorable macromolecule are the ability to self-replicate and the ability to synthesize nucleotides. These mutations allowed RNA to reproduce itself and create the necessary building blocks for its structure, making it a self-sustaining molecule. This ability to self-replicate and synthesize nucleotides likely provided RNA with a significant advantage in early life forms, leading to its selection and prevalence as a macromolecule.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Chemical selection occurs when a chemical has special properties that cause it to increase in...
Correct Answer(s)
Number
AmountExplanation
Chemical selection occurs when a chemical has special properties that cause it to increase in number and amount. This means that the chemical is chosen or favored due to its ability to multiply or accumulate. These properties could include factors such as reactivity, stability, or solubility, which enable the chemical to undergo reactions or interactions that lead to its proliferation or concentration. As a result, the chemical becomes more prevalent or abundant in a given system or environment.Rate this question:
- 4.
Bartel and Szostak were the two scientists who proved chemical selection.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Bartel and Szostak were indeed the two scientists who provided evidence for chemical selection. Their groundbreaking research in the field of molecular biology demonstrated that certain molecules can be selectively amplified and replicated, leading to the emergence of new chemical entities with specific properties. This discovery has had significant implications in various scientific disciplines, including the origins of life and the development of new drugs.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In Bartel and Szostak's experiment, each type of RNA, long and short, had how many regions?
- A.
1
- B.
2
- C.
3
- D.
4
Correct Answer
B. 2Explanation
In Bartel and Szostak's experiment, each type of RNA, long and short, had two regions.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the purpose of the tag sequence on the short RNA?
- A.
To attach to the long RNA
- B.
To form a covalent bond with another tag sequence
- C.
To break the bond between long and short RNA
- D.
To bind to the beads
Correct Answer
D. To bind to the beadsExplanation
The purpose of the tag sequence on the short RNA was to bind to the beads. This suggests that the tag sequence acts as a binding site for the beads, allowing the short RNA to be immobilized and separated from the long RNA.Rate this question:
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- 7.
It is possible that DNA formed from an RNA molecule that had the ability to reverse transcribe.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement suggests that DNA can be formed from an RNA molecule through a process called reverse transcription. Reverse transcription is a process where an enzyme called reverse transcriptase uses an RNA template to synthesize a complementary DNA strand. This process is commonly observed in retroviruses, which have RNA genomes that are converted into DNA upon infecting host cells. Therefore, it is possible for DNA to be formed from an RNA molecule through reverse transcription.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which are reasons why DNA was favored over RNA to store genetic information? (More than one answer)
- A.
DNA is more stable
- B.
RNA is more stable
- C.
Since DNA is double stranded, it could take on the roles of storing information and catalyzing chemical reactions
- D.
RNA could perform more functions if it didn't have to store information
Correct Answer(s)
A. DNA is more stable
D. RNA could perform more functions if it didn't have to store informationExplanation
DNA is more stable compared to RNA because it has a more stable sugar-phosphate backbone and is less prone to degradation. Additionally, since DNA is double stranded, it can serve as a template for replication and repair, while also being able to catalyze chemical reactions. On the other hand, RNA could perform more functions if it didn't have to store genetic information, as it is involved in various cellular processes such as protein synthesis and regulation.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Experiments have proven that RNA can catalyze the formation of peptide bonds. This would lead to the formation of...
Correct Answer(s)
ProteinsExplanation
RNA can catalyze the formation of peptide bonds, which are the bonds that hold amino acids together in proteins. Therefore, if RNA is able to catalyze the formation of peptide bonds, it would lead to the formation of proteins.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Mar 21, 2013Quiz Created by
Dan32096
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