Identify the statements true for RNA.

(A) RNA acts as a genetic material for some viruses.

(B) RNA also functions as an adapter molecule.

(C) RNA has hexose sugar as its backbone.

(D) RNA also acts as catalyst in some cases.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (B) and (D) only

The correct answer is Option (2) - (A), (B) and (D) only

RNA was the first genetic material. There is now enough evidence to suggest that essential life processes (such as metabolism, translation, splicing, etc.), evolved around RNA. RNA used to act as a genetic material as well as a catalyst (there are some important biochemical reactions in living systems that are catalysed by RNA catalysts and not by protein enzymes). But, RNA being a catalyst was reactive and
hence unstable.

Among the given statements:

(A) RNA acts as a genetic material for some viruses. - True Explanation: RNA can serve as the genetic material in certain viruses, such as retroviruses like HIV.

(B) RNA also functions as an adapter molecule. - True Explanation: Transfer RNA (tRNA) is an example of RNA that functions as an adapter molecule during protein synthesis. It carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the appropriate codon on the mRNA.

(C) RNA has hexose sugar as its backbone. - False Explanation: RNA has ribose sugar as its backbone, not hexose sugar. Hexose sugars have six carbon atoms, while ribose has five.

(D) RNA also acts as a catalyst in some cases. - True Explanation: Certain RNA molecules, known as ribozymes, can act as catalysts and facilitate chemical reactions. Ribozymes are capable of catalyzing specific biochemical reactions, just like enzymes made of proteins.

So, statements (A), (B), and (D) are true regarding RNA, while statement (C) is false.