The Fact That DNA Replication Occurs in Virtually the Same

Question

The fact that DNA replication occurs in virtually the same way in all organisms reflects:
A)its origin early in the history of life.
B)its multiple origins in different lineages of organisms.
C)the laws of thermodynamics.
D)the fact that mutations are generally harmful.
E)the universal genetic code.

Accepted Answer

The universality of DNA replication across different organisms strongly suggests that it has a common origin that occurred early in the history of life. This is consistent with the theory of a single common ancestor for all life on Earth. If DNA replication had multiple origins in different lineages of organisms, then it would be expected to be more diverse in its mechanisms across different groups of organisms. The laws of thermodynamics and mutations being generally harmful are not directly relevant to the universality of DNA replication. The universal genetic code is also important for the transfer of genetic information, but does not explain the similarity in DNA replication mechanisms.