Asked by andrew

Which of the following describes how RNA could have formed on early Earth?
A
RNA evolved after DNA to carry out reactions while still storing genetic information.
B
RNA did not originate on Earth and was brought to the planet by meteorite strikes.
C
RNA formed inside ancient bacterial cells to help transfer genetic information during cell division.
D
Earth’s early atmosphere contained the materials to form RNA, and lightning triggered the reaction.

Answers

There are no human answers yet.
Answered by GPT-5 mini
D

This matches the Miller–Urey type origin-of-life idea and the RNA-world hypothesis: early Earth had simple molecules in its atmosphere/oceans and energy sources (lightning, UV, heat) that could drive formation of organic molecules and RNA precursors abiotically.