Question

Which of the following pieces of evidence may be considered as evidence of the RNA World Hypothesis?

1) Synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides from ribonucleotides
2) Peptidyl transferase activity of ribosomal RNA
3) Basic metabolites like acetyl CoA having a ribonucleotide part
4) Self-splicing introns in Tetrahymena
5) All of the statements

Answer 1

The RNA world hypothesis suggests that RNA was the first complex molecule and all the statements provided: synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides, peptidyl transferase activity of rRNA, acetyl CoA's ribonucleotide part, and self-splicing introns are evidence supporting this hypothesis. The correct answer is option 5 all of the statements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The evidence supporting the RNA world hypothesis includes several elements that provide insights into the early molecular mechanisms of life. The hypothesis posits that RNA was the first complex molecule, pivotal in the initial development of life.

• Synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides from ribonucleotides: This suggests a mechanistic pathway for the evolution of DNA from RNA.
• Peptidyl transferase activity of ribosomal RNA: This rRNA activity demonstrates RNA's ability to catalyze peptide bond formation, indicative of RNA's catalytic abilities similar to enzymes.
• Basic metabolites like acetyl CoA having a ribonucleotide part: The presence of ribonucleotides in fundamental metabolic compounds implies an ancient RNA role in metabolism.
• Self-splicing introns in Tetrahymena: These RNA molecules can catalyze their own excision from a primary RNA transcript, demonstrating RNA's catalytic and self-processing capacities.
• All of the statements listed above may be considered as evidence for the RNA world hypothesis.

Therefore, the correct option with respect to the pieces of evidence for the RNA world hypothesis is: 5) All of the statements.