A current leading hypothesis about the first system of inheritance in the earliest life-forms involves
A) self-replicating DNA molecules.
B) self-replicating RNA molecules aided by ribozymes.
C) proteins that served as templates for RNA molecules, leading to the formation of DNA.
D) self-replicating polypeptides aided by ribosomes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypothesis of self-replicating RNA molecules aided by ribozymes is the leading hypothesis about the first system of inheritance in the earliest life-forms. This hypothesis suggests that RNA molecules were able to both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions, including their own replication. Ribozymes, which are RNA molecules that can act as enzymes, may have assisted in the replication process. This idea is supported by evidence that RNA can store genetic information and perform enzymatic functions, as well as the fact that RNA is found in modern-day cellular processes such as splicing and translation.

A Current Leading Hypothesis About the First System of Inheritance