Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: RNA mutates at a faster rate.
Statement II: Viruses having RNA genome and shorter life span mutate and evolve faster.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
• B. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• C. Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
• D. Both Statement I and Statement II are true.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question involves evaluating two statements regarding the mutation rates of RNA and RNA viruses. To determine the correct option, we need to assess the validity of each statement based on biological principles:

1. Statement I: RNA mutates at a faster rate.

Explanation: RNA is known to have a higher mutation rate than DNA. This is primarily because RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, which replicate RNA genomes, lack the proofreading mechanisms that DNA polymerases have. As a result, errors made during replication are not corrected, leading to a higher mutation rate. Thus, Statement I is true.

2. Statement II: Viruses having RNA genome and shorter life span mutate and evolve faster.

Explanation: Viruses with RNA genomes tend to mutate rapidly due to their high mutation rates. Additionally, RNA viruses often have short life cycles, which means they can reproduce and pass on mutations quickly. This leads to faster evolution as the accumulation of mutations over successive generations can lead to adaptive changes in the virus. Thus, Statement II is true.

Therefore, the correct answer is that both Statement I and Statement II are true.