Protein doess not constitute genetic material because it

Options

A. is not ubiquitous
B. is a small molecule
C. does not possess ability to replicate
D. does not possess diversity

Answer

To answer the question "Protein does not constitute genetic material because it...", we need to analyze the characteristics that define genetic material and compare them to proteins. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Genetic Material**:
- Genetic material is primarily composed of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. These molecules have specific characteristics that allow them to store and transmit genetic information.

2. **Key Characteristics of Genetic Material**:
- **Ability to Replicate**: Genetic material must be able to replicate itself accurately during cell division. This ensures that genetic information is passed on to the next generation.
- **Chemical and Structural Stability**: The genetic material must maintain its structure over time to ensure that the information it carries is not lost or altered.
- **Scope for Change**: There should be potential for mutations or changes in the genetic material, which can lead to evolution and diversity in traits.
- **Expression of Traits**: Genetic material should be able to express traits in a way that follows Mendelian inheritance patterns, including dominant and recessive traits.

3. **Analyzing Proteins**:
- Proteins are synthesized from amino acids based on the instructions encoded in DNA. They do not have the ability to replicate themselves.
- Proteins are not stable in the same way that nucleic acids are; they can be denatured or degraded under various conditions.
- While proteins can exhibit diversity in their structure and function, they do not carry genetic information themselves; rather, they are the products of genetic information.
- Proteins do not express traits in a Mendelian manner, as they are not the carriers of genetic information.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Given the characteristics of genetic material, the statement "Protein does not constitute genetic material because it..." can be completed with "does not possess the ability to replicate." This is the primary reason proteins cannot serve as genetic material.

### Final Answer:
Protein does not constitute genetic material because it **does not possess the ability to replicate**.