The work of Bartel's group on the ribozyme RNA replicase supports which conclusion?
A) An RNA world could produce molecules that could self-replicate.
B) RNA molecules with variable characteristics could catalyze protein synthesis.
C) Ribozymes had to be present in the first cells to generate copies of the genetic material
D) Ribozymes were produced randomly through natural selection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bartel's group demonstrated that a ribozyme RNA molecule could replicate itself without the need for any proteins or other molecules. This supports the idea that an RNA world could have existed where RNA molecules were the first self-replicating entities. This supports choice A. The other choices are not supported by this specific work.

The Work of Bartel's Group on the Ribozyme RNA Replicase