in evolutionary terms, RNA is thought to have preceded proteins and DNA. Which of the following observations provides the most convincing support for hypothesis?

a) there are more types of RNA than there are DNA
b) RNA contains combined catalytic, structural, and genetic storage functions
c) single-stranded RNA is less structurally complex than double stranded DNA
d) viruses contain RNA as generic material are
among the oldest forms of life on earth

i think it is c

To determine which observation provides the most convincing support for the hypothesis that RNA preceded proteins and DNA in evolutionary terms, let's evaluate each option:

a) There are more types of RNA than there are DNA.
While it is true that there are more types of RNA than DNA, this observation alone does not provide strong support for the hypothesis. The abundance of RNA does not necessarily indicate primacy in evolution.

b) RNA contains combined catalytic, structural, and genetic storage functions.
This observation is significant because it demonstrates the versatility of RNA. The fact that RNA can perform catalytic functions, form structural components, and store genetic information suggests that it could have been a precursor to proteins, which play similar roles.

c) Single-stranded RNA is less structurally complex than double-stranded DNA.
Although this observation highlights a difference in structural complexity between single-stranded RNA and double-stranded DNA, it does not directly indicate the evolutionary precedence of RNA. Structural complexity alone is not a definitive indicator of ancestral relationship.

d) Viruses contain RNA as genetic material and are among the oldest forms of life on earth.
This observation suggests that RNA was involved in the early stages of life on Earth. Viruses, which are considered some of the earliest and simplest forms of life, utilize RNA as their genetic material. This provides support for the hypothesis that RNA preceded proteins and DNA.

Based on the explanations above, option d) "viruses contain RNA as genetic material and are among the oldest forms of life on earth" seems to provide the most convincing support for the hypothesis that RNA preceded proteins and DNA in evolutionary terms.