One reason why RNA molecules are the leading candidate as the first informational molecule is that a. some RNA molecules can function as enzymes. b. RNA nucleotides are a major component of cell membranes. c. RNA molecules are usually double stranded. d. RNA serves as the hereditary material in today’s prokaryotic cells.

Explanation:

There are two types of genetic material or nucleic acid RNA and DNA. RNA molecule is considered as first information molecule because of several reasons like -

RNA is less stable than the DNA which shows that a less stable form of genetic material gave rise to a more stable form of genetic material.

One of the most important prove is RNA is catalytic which means it can function as enzymes and can catalyze the reaction which is used to copy genetic material i.e RNA. So the correct answer is a.

a. to encourage apoptosis