which of the following has been basic to origin of life

Options

A. Carbohydrates
B. Proteins
C. Nucleic acids
D. Nucleoproteins

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the basic origin of life. This involves identifying the fundamental molecules or processes that contributed to the emergence of life on Earth.

2. **Historical Context**: In 1980, scientists made a significant discovery regarding RNA. They found that RNA can function as an enzyme, which means it can catalyze biochemical reactions, similar to proteins.

3. **Role of RNA**: The discovery suggested that RNA could not only store genetic information but also facilitate the assembly of new RNA molecules. This dual functionality indicates that RNA could have played a crucial role in the early stages of life.

4. **Theories of Origin of Life**: One prominent theory regarding the origin of life is the "RNA world hypothesis." This hypothesis posits that RNA was one of the first macromolecules to form and that it played a central role in the development of life.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the evidence and theories, it can be concluded that nucleic acids, particularly RNA, are fundamental to the origin of life. They are considered the basic building blocks from which life could have emerged.

**Final Answer**: Nucleic acids (specifically RNA) have been basic to the origin of life.

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