Which molecules are thought to be the original genetic material of life?

The idea that RNA served as the original genetic material of life is rooted in the RNA world hypothesis. This hypothesis posits that self-replicating ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules were precursors to current life forms, which predominantly use DNA for genetic information. RNA is capable of both storing genetic information and catalyzing chemical reactions, qualities that support the notion that it could serve as both a repository of genetic information and a catalyst for its own replication.

During the early stages of life's evolution, RNA molecules could have played a central role in the development of early cellular life, thus positioning them as possibly the first genetic material in the evolutionary timeline. Furthermore, many modern viruses utilize RNA as their genetic material, which provides additional support for RNA’s foundational role in the origins of life.

The other choices do not align with the prevailing theories regarding the origins of genetic material. DNA, while essential for modern organisms, is believed to have evolved from RNA. Proteins, though vital for cellular functions, cannot serve as genetic material on their own. Eubacteria and archaea refer to broader categories of life forms but do not represent original genetic materials. Similarly, while viruses do contain RNA, they are not viewed as a primary source of life’s early