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

• Statement I is true. RNA generally mutates at a faster rate compared to DNA due to the inherent properties of RNA polymerases and the lack of proofreading mechanisms in some RNA viruses.
• Statement II is also true. Viruses with RNA genomes tend to have shorter life spans and higher mutation rates, which can lead to faster evolution. This is because the replication machinery of RNA viruses often lacks the ability to correct errors that occur during replication, contributing to their higher mutation rates and ability to evolve rapidly.

The correct option is (D): Both Statement I and Statement II are true.