Which one of the following is not true for a molecule that can act as a genetic material?

It should be catalytic and easily degradable.

The correct answer is Option (3) → It should be catalytic and easily degradable.  

It should be able to generate its replica: This is true. Genetic material must be able to replicate itself accurately so that it can be passed on to subsequent generations. This is a fundamental characteristic of DNA, RNA, and other genetic molecules.

It should be chemically stable: This statement is true. Genetic material should be chemically and structurally stable to ensure accurate replication and transmission of genetic information. While genetic material can undergo changes (mutations) over time, these changes are typically not due to inherent instability of the molecule itself, but rather external factors such as mutagens or replication errors.

It should be catalytic and easily degradable. This statement is false . It should not be catalytic and easily degradable . '-OH group present at every nucleotide in RNA is a reactive group and makes RNA labile and easily degradable. DNA lacks the 2'-OH group that makes RNA more reactive. RNA is also now known to be catalytic, hence reactive. Therefore, DNA chemically is less reactive and structurally more stable when compared to RNA. Therefore, among the two nucleic acids, the DNA is a better genetic material. In fact, the presence of thymine at the place of uracil also confers additional stability to DNA.

It should be able to express itself in the form of "Mendelian character": This is true. Genetic material carries the information necessary for the expression of traits, including those that follow Mendelian principles of inheritance. Mendelian characters are traits that are controlled by single genes and exhibit predictable patterns of inheritance, which is facilitated by the presence of genetic material.