Genetic Material & Cell Division Explained

This question asks us to evaluate three statements concerning genetic material (DNA and RNA) and cell division (mitosis).

Statement Analysis

• Statement I: Genetic traits are carried by DNA.

  This statement is correct. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses. Genes, segments of DNA, code for proteins and functional RNA molecules, which ultimately determine an organism's traits.

• Statement II: RNA is a double-stranded molecule.

  This statement is generally incorrect. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is typically a single-stranded molecule. While some viruses utilize double-stranded RNA, the common forms of RNA found in cells (like messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA)) are single-stranded, although they can fold upon themselves to form complex structures.

• Statement III: Mitosis leads to the formation of new cells, contributing to growth.

  This statement is correct. Mitosis is a fundamental process of cell division where a single cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. This process is crucial for asexual reproduction, development, tissue repair, and overall organismal growth in multicellular organisms.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, statements I and III are correct, while statement II is incorrect. Therefore, the correct option includes statements I and III.