Why is DNA molecule considered as a better hereditary material than RNA molecule?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

DNA molecule is considered as a better hereditary material than RNA molecule because:

(i) As DNA is more stable than RNA – RNA undergoes hydrolysis 100 times faster than DNA, making DNA more stable

(ii) As DNA can be more easily repaired compared to RNA

(iii) The double-helix structure of DNA protects the genetic information from mutation, whereas RNA is single-stranded making it more exposed to mutations and more vulnerable to reaction and degradation.

(iv) DNA’s double strand helps in double-checking of correct base pair, which is missing in single-stranded RNA.