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Q. What are the four major characteristics of genetic material?
Ans. The four major characteristics of genetic material are its ability to store information, replicate accurately, undergo mutations, and transmit traits from one generation to the next.
Q. What are the properties of genetic material DNA vs RNA Class 12?
Ans. DNA is stable, stores genetic information, and replicates during cell division, while RNA is involved in protein synthesis and is less stable than DNA. RNA also serves as a messenger and has different structures like mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.
Q. What is genetic material class 12?
Ans. Genetic material refers to the molecules, typically DNA or RNA, that carry genetic information in living organisms. It plays a key role in heredity and the functioning of cells.
Q. What is the most important property required of the genetic material?
Ans. The most important property of genetic material is its ability to replicate accurately, ensuring that genetic information is faithfully passed on to future generations.
Properties of Genetic Material, Overview, Properties, and Importance
Properties of Genetic Material, Learn about the key characteristics and importance of genetic material, including DNA and RNA, and its role in heredity, evolution, and cell function.
Krati Saraswat5 Jun, 2025
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Properties of genetic material are fundamental to understanding how living organisms inherit traits, function, and evolve. Genetic material, primarily in the form of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic Acid), carries the essential instructions for life. These molecules are responsible for storing, replicating, and transmitting genetic information from one generation to the next. Understanding the properties of genetic material is crucial for NEET aspirants, as it plays a central role in various biological processes that are often tested in the exam. This article will explore the key properties of genetic material, their importance, and their relevance to NEET exam preparation.
Properties of Genetic Material
Genetic material is the substance that carries the information required for growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of living organisms. This material can be in the form of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) or RNA (Ribonucleic Acid). DNA is the most common genetic material found in most organisms, while RNA plays a critical role in some viruses .
Ability to Store Information : Genetic material must store a vast amount of information needed to build and maintain an organism. DNA, for example, carries the genetic code in the form of sequences of nucleotides. Each nucleotide is made up of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. This information is organized in genes, which are segments of DNA that code for proteins .
Ability to Replicate : Replication is a fundamental property of genetic material. Before a cell divides, it must duplicate its genetic material so that each new cell has a complete copy. DNA replication occurs in a semi-conservative manner, where each strand of the original DNA molecule serves as a template for the synthesis of a new strand. This ensures that the genetic information is accurately passed on to the next generation.
Mutation and Variability: Genetic material has the ability to undergo mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence. Mutations can occur naturally or due to environmental factors like radiation or chemicals. While most mutations are neutral or harmful, some may lead to beneficial traits that contribute to evolution. This variability is essential for the survival of species, as it enables them to adapt to changing environments.
Transmission of Traits: One of the key properties of genetic material is its ability to transmit traits from one generation to the next. During reproduction, genetic material from both parents combines to form the offspring's genetic code. This transmission of genetic information ensures the continuity of life and the inheritance of traits such as eye color, height, and disease resistance.
Ability to Express Information: Genetic material also has the ability to express the information it contains through processes like transcription and translation. In transcription, DNA is used as a template to synthesize RNA, which then serves as a blueprint for the synthesis of proteins in a process called translation. These proteins are essential for the structure and function of the cell.
Stability and Fidelity: For the genetic material to maintain its integrity and function properly, it must be stable. DNA is highly stable due to its double-helix structure, which provides protection against damage. Additionally, DNA repair mechanisms ensure that any errors in replication or damage to the DNA are corrected, maintaining the accuracy of genetic information.
Ability to Mutate and Evolve: Genetic material is capable of undergoing mutations, which can introduce new variations in an organism’s genetic code. These mutations may be harmful, neutral, or beneficial, and they can drive evolution by providing genetic diversity. This diversity is important for adaptation to environmental changes and the survival of species over time.
Importance of Genetic Material
Genetic material is essential for the growth, development, and functioning of all living organisms. It is responsible for heredity, ensuring that traits are passed from parents to offspring. It also guides the development of cells and tissues and controls protein synthesis, which is crucial for cellular functions. Additionally, genetic material undergoes mutations, driving evolution and adaptation.
MCQs of Genetic Material
Q1. Find the incorrect statement regarding genetic material;
DNA and RNA are able to direct their duplications but other molecules or living system cannot.
Genetic material should be stable enough and should not undergo changes with different stages of life cycle, age or with change in the physiology of the organism.
Two strands of DNA being complementary, if separated by heating, comes together if appropriate conditions are provided.
Protein synthesis machinery evolved around DNA and DNA can directly code for protein synthesis.
Q2. Read the following statements and find out the incorrect statement.
(i) The length of DNA is usually defined as the number of nucleotides or nucleotide base pairs present in it.
(ii) In DNA, every nucleotide residue has an additional - OH group present at the 2'-position in the deoxyribose.
(iii) Nuclein was discovered and named by Meischer in 1969.
(iv) Adenine pairs with thymine and guanine with cytosine through H-bonds.
(v) The proposition of a double helical model of DNA was also based on the observation of Erwin Chargaff.
ii, iii and v
ii, iii and iv
ii and iii only
iii and v only
Q3. Bacteriophage with radioactivity both in DNA and protein infects a bacterium. Bacterium becomes radioactive. Radioactivity occurs in ______ of bacteria.
protein
DNA
bacterium envelope
both (1) and (2)
Answers of MCQs of Genetic Material
Ans1. Protein synthesis machinery evolved around DNA and DNA can directly code for protein synthesis., Ans2. ii and iii only Ans3 . DNA Physics Wallah (PW) offers NEET Online Coaching in India, designed to make quality education accessible to all aspiring medical students.
