A molecule that can act as the genetic material must fulfill all the mentioned criteria except one which is incorrect.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → It should not provide the scope for slow changes (mutation) that are required for evolution.
The book lists four criteria that a genetic material must fulfil.
Option (1) It should be able to generate its replica (replication). — A true criterion. It must copy itself to pass to the next generation.
Option (2) It should be able to express itself in the form of Mendelian characters. — A true criterion. The genetic material must show its effect as traits, in the way Mendel’s characters appear in the offspring.
Option (3) It should not provide the scope for slow changes (mutation) that are required for evolution. — The incorrect one. The criterion is that it should allow slow changes; the word ‘not’ reverses it. Without mutation there would be no variation for evolution.
Option (4) It should be stable chemically and structurally. — A true criterion. It must not change with age or conditions.
NCERT Extract:
Properties of Genetic Material (DNA Versus RNA) – “… A molecule that can act as a genetic material must fulfill the following criteria:
(i) It should be able to generate its replica (Replication).
(ii) It should be stable chemically and structurally.
(iii) It should provide the scope for slow changes (mutation) that are required for evolution.
(iv) It should be able to express itself in the form of ‘Mendelian Characters’.”