Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which of the following is a characteristic found in all life forms?

1. Genetic material

2. Protein

3. Water

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

All life forms share certain fundamental characteristics, with genetic material being a key component. Genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, provides the information necessary for growth, development, reproduction, and the functioning of organisms. This characteristic is universal across all known life forms, from simple bacteria to complex mammals. While proteins are essential for many biological functions and are produced according to the instructions from genetic material, they are not present in all life forms in the same way. Some simpler life forms may not have the same protein structures or functions as more complex organisms, but all must utilize genetic instructions to produce proteins essential for life processes. Water is crucial for life as we know it, serving as a solvent for biochemical reactions and helping maintain cellular structures. However, some extremophiles can thrive in environments with minimal water, demonstrating that while water is vital for many life forms, it is not universally essential in all forms of life. Therefore, the inclusion of genetic material emphasizes the underlying commonality among all life forms, making it the characteristic that is found universally. Thus, the answer reflects that genetic material is a defining feature of life itself.