Question

40. DNA is described as being far less capable of catalytic activity than RNA or protein. This can be attributed to which of these reasons?

A. Lack of the -OH group on each 2' carbon of the deoxyribose sugar decreases its reactivity
B. The double-stranded nature of the molecule increases its stability
C. The hydrophobic interior of DNA is difficult to disrupt due to hydrophobic bonding between the nonpolar nitrogenous bases that orient toward the center
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

Answer 1

DNA's lack of catalytic activity can be attributed to the absence of a hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon of deoxyribose, its stable double-stranded structure, and its hydrophobic interior.

Step-by-step explanation:

DNA is described as being far less capable of catalytic activity than RNA or protein due to multiple reasons. A. Lack of the -OH group on each 2' carbon of the deoxyribose sugar decreases its reactivity which is crucial for catalytic functions. B. The double-stranded nature of DNA increases its stability and reduces its flexibility necessary for catalysis. C. The hydrophobic interior of DNA makes it difficult to disrupt due to hydrophobic bonding between nonpolar nitrogenous bases that orient toward the center. Hence, the answer is D. All of the above.