Question

Which of the following is responsible for controlling hereditary characters of the living cells?
1. Enzyme
2. Hormone
3. RNA
4. DNA
5. None of the above/More than one of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : DNA

The correct answer is DNA.

• DNA is responsible for controlling the hereditary characters of the living cells.
• DNA:
  • Deoxyribonucleic acid is a molecule made up of two polynucleotide chains that coil around each other to form a double helix carrying genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses.
  • DNA and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are nucleic acids.
  • Alongside proteins, lipids and complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides), nucleic acids are one of the four primary types of macromolecules that are essential for all known forms of life.

• Enzyme:
  • Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts.
  • Catalysts accelerate chemical reactions.
  • The molecules upon which enzymes may act are called substrates, and the enzyme converts the substrates into different molecules known as products.
• Hormone:
  • A hormone is any member of a class of signalling molecules in multicellular organisms, that are transported to distant organs to regulate physiology and/or behaviour.
  • Hormones are required for the correct development of animals, plants and fungi.
• RNA:
  • Ribonucleic acid is a polymeric molecule essential in various biological roles in coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes.
  • RNA and deoxyribonucleic acid are nucleic acids.