Questions: Multiple Select Question
Select all that apply
During the 1940s, scientists considered what two molecules most likely to be genetic material
RNA
carbohydrate
protein
DNA
lipid
Transcript text: Multiple Select Question
Select all that apply
During the 1940s, scientists considered what two molecules most likely to be genetic material
RNA
carbohydrate
protein
DNA
lipid
Solution
The answer is RNA and protein.
Explanation for each option:
RNA: During the 1940s, RNA was considered a potential candidate for genetic material because it is a nucleic acid, similar to DNA, and was known to play a role in protein synthesis.
Carbohydrate: Carbohydrates were not considered likely candidates for genetic material because they do not have the necessary complexity or ability to store genetic information.
Protein: Proteins were considered a strong candidate for genetic material during the 1940s because they are complex molecules with diverse functions and were thought to have the capacity to store genetic information.
DNA: Although DNA is the actual genetic material, during the early 1940s, it was not initially considered the primary candidate due to its perceived simplicity compared to proteins.
Lipid: Lipids were not considered likely candidates for genetic material because they primarily serve as structural components of cell membranes and do not have the capacity to store genetic information.
In summary, during the 1940s, RNA and protein were the two molecules most likely considered to be genetic material.