Which one of the following statements is correct about RNA?

The correct answer is Option (1) → RNA directly codes for proteins, making it easier to express characters.

Both DNA and RNA can act as genetic material, but they differ in stability and in how they express characters. RNA is the less stable of the two, and it is closer to protein synthesis, since proteins are made on mRNA.

Option (1) RNA directly codes for proteins, making it easier to express characters. — Correct. RNA can directly code for the synthesis of proteins, so it can express the characters easily. DNA cannot do this on its own; it depends on RNA to make proteins.

Option (2) RNA stabilises DNA to prevent mutations. — Incorrect. RNA has no such role. DNA owes its stability to its own chemistry: it has no reactive 2′-OH group, it has thymine in place of uracil, and its two complementary strands come back together even after they are separated by heat.

Option (3) RNA is a more stable form of genetic material for long-term storage. — Incorrect. It is the other way round. RNA is unstable and mutates faster. DNA, being more stable, is the one preferred for storing genetic information.

NCERT Extract:
Properties of Genetic Material (DNA versus RNA) – “… Both DNA and RNA are able to mutate. In fact, RNA being unstable, mutate at a faster rate. Consequently, viruses having RNA genome and having shorter life span mutate and evolve faster. RNA can directly code for the synthesis of proteins, hence can easily express the characters. DNA, however, is dependent on RNA for synthesis of proteins. The protein synthesising machinery has evolved around RNA. The above discussion indicate that both RNA and DNA can function as genetic material, but DNA being more stable is preferred for storage of genetic information.”