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Question #45862
The Question
While Griffith's transformation experiments established the biochemical nature of genetic material, the discovery of retroviruses necessitated an expansion of the Central Dogma. Which of the following statements regarding these mechanisms of genetic information flow is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
Unlike retroviral infection, Griffith's transforming principle involves the horizontal transfer of naked DNA without the requirement of an RNA intermediate.
- B.
Upon entering the host macrophage, the retroviral RNA genome acts directly as an mRNA template for host ribosomes to synthesize Reverse Transcriptase.
- C.
Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty demonstrated that digestion with DNase inhibits transformation, confirming that the R-strain requires intact exogenous DNA.
- D.
The synthesis of complementary DNA from a retroviral RNA genome utilizes an enzyme that reverses the unidirectional information flow proposed by Francis Crick.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Griffith’s Transforming Principle|DNA Polymerase Directionality|RNA-dependent DNA Polymerase
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse the life cycle of standard positive-sense RNA viruses (where RNA acts directly as mRNA) with Retroviruses.
A common misconception is that the host translates the viral RNA to produce Reverse Transcriptase.
In reality, because host cells lack RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, retroviruses must bring pre-formed Reverse Transcriptase enzymes with them in the viral capsid to initiate the RNA-to-DNA conversion before integration.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Molecular Basis of Inheritance - Class 12 |
| Concept | Griffith’s Transforming Principle |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |