Why is DNA a more stable genome repository than RNA?
A) uracil needed for RNA synthesis is far less common than thymine needed for DNA synthesis
B) RNA breaks more easily and accumulates more mutations than DNA does
C) DNA is easier to build from its component molecules
D) DNA requires less energy to construct than RNA does
E) RNA molecules are longer than DNA molecules and thus more prone to snapping

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

RNA is more susceptible to degradation due to its single-stranded nature and lack of protective histones found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Additionally, RNA polymerase, which copies genetic information from DNA to RNA, has a higher error rate than DNA polymerase, resulting in more mutations in RNA.

Why Is DNA a More Stable Genome Repository Than RNA