Which molecule can act as a catalyst and also carry genetic information?

Which molecule can act as a catalyst and also carry genetic information?

• A. DNA
• B. Lipid
• C. RNA
• D. Protein

Answer: (C)

RNA can store genetic information and also act as a catalyst. Its sequence of nucleotides holds the instructions for making proteins, just like DNA, so it can carry hereditary information. At the same time, RNA can fold into complex three-dimensional shapes that create active sites capable of speeding up chemical reactions, functioning as enzymes known as ribozymes. The 2' hydroxyl group on the ribose and the flexible RNA backbone enable it to participate directly in catalysis, allowing some RNA molecules to catalyze reactions such as peptide bond formation or RNA cleavage. This dual capability is seen in natural examples like the ribosome’s RNA component, which catalyzes peptide bond formation, and various ribozymes that can self-cleave or ligate RNA. Meanwhile, DNA largely provides information storage and is not catalytic, proteins are excellent catalysts but do not carry genetic information, and lipids do not serve as information carriers or catalysts in this context.

RNA can store genetic information and also act as a catalyst. Its sequence of nucleotides holds the instructions for making proteins, just like DNA, so it can carry hereditary information. At the same time, RNA can fold into complex three-dimensional shapes that create active sites capable of speeding up chemical reactions, functioning as enzymes known as ribozymes. The 2' hydroxyl group on the ribose and the flexible RNA backbone enable it to participate directly in catalysis, allowing some RNA molecules to catalyze reactions such as peptide bond formation or RNA cleavage. This dual capability is seen in natural examples like the ribosome’s RNA component, which catalyzes peptide bond formation, and various ribozymes that can self-cleave or ligate RNA. Meanwhile, DNA largely provides information storage and is not catalytic, proteins are excellent catalysts but do not carry genetic information, and lipids do not serve as information carriers or catalysts in this context.