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One reason natural selection favored DNA over RNA for genetic transmission is because DNA is replicated with higher fidelity than RNA.

a) True
b) False

User Timss
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Final answer:

The statement "One reason natural selection favored DNA over RNA for genetic transmission is because DNA is replicated with higher fidelity than RNA" is True (Option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

It is true that one reason natural selection favored DNA over RNA for genetic transmission is because DNA is replicated with higher fidelity than RNA. DNA, being typically double-stranded, has a robust repair mechanism that corrects errors during replication.

This means the genetic information it carries is less likely to suffer from mistakes that could be detrimental to an organism.

In contrast, RNA typically lacks such comprehensive repair systems and is more prone to errors when replicated, making DNA a more stable medium for the long-term storage and transmission of genetic information.

Additionally, variations and mutations are the basis of genetic variation which is essential for natural selection.

DNA's higher fidelity in replication allows for the accumulation of beneficial mutations over time, contributing to advantageous traits like better running speed being passed down and becoming more common in a population.

The semi-conservative mode of replication that DNA undergoes ensures that each new double helix contains one old and one new strand, allowing for a balance between stability and the introduction of new genetic variations.

Natural selection thus reproduces individuals with favorable genetic traits, and DNA's stability and repair mechanisms make it a more reliable source of heritable information, contributing to its preferential use over RNA in evolution.

Hence, the correct answer is True (Option A).

User Xiaoxi
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