Properties of genetic material
- It should be able to generate its replica.
- It should be chemically and structurally stable.
- It should provide scope for slow changes (mutation) that are required for evolution.
- It should be able to express itself in the form of ‘Mendelian characters’.
Molecular Basis of Inheritance Notes Class 12
CBSE Class 12 Molecular Basis of Inheritance: Inheritance is transmitted by certain molecules that Mendel termed as ‘factors’, but their nature was discovered later with the development of various scientific techniques. The molecules which govern the inheritance are called genes and it is of two types; Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic acid (RNA). In all organisms except viruses, DNA acts as the genetic material whereas RNA acts as the messenger molecule, however in some viruses RNA functions as the genetic material. It is because DNA is a more stable molecule as compared to RNA and hence, it evolved as the genetic material of almost all the organisms.