Question: 168 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:
(1) Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
(2) Statement I false but Statement II is true.
(3) Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
(4) Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
Answer: Option (3)
Explanation:
RNA is less stable than DNA and lacks efficient proofreading mechanisms during replication.
As a result, RNA undergoes mutations at a faster rate compared to DNA.
Viruses with RNA genomes have high mutation rates and short generation times.
This leads to rapid accumulation of mutations and faster evolution.
Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are true.