One of the key steps in the origin of life is the development of a molecule that can store information and catalyze reactions. Which molecule has the capacity to accomplish both tasks? A. PolysaccharidesB. PhospholipidsC. DNAD. ProteinsE. RNA

RNA.

Explanation:

RNA is present as genetic material in some viruses only. RNA is almost similar to DNA in its basic structure but contains oxyribose sugar and uracil instead of deoxyribose sugar and thymine.

According to RNA world hypothesis, RNA is the first genetic material evolved on earth. The RNA has the ability to store information as can be seen in process of transcription and translation. The ribozyme has the ability to acts as the enzyme. Hence, RNA has both ability to store information and catalyze the reaction.

Thus, the correct answer is option (E).