Correct Option: D

DNA is the repository of genetic information gathered over incalculable millions of years and it is stored in a stable form inside the cell. However, chemical molecules have some degree of instability and often breakdown with time. But DNA molecules have to remain stable. The presence of the –OH group on the second carbon chain of the ribose sugar makes a ribopolynucleotide less stable than a deoxyribose molecule. The presence of 2′-OH group on the ribose sugar makes it susceptible to nucleophilic attack in the presence of OH (ions) on the 5′-phosphorous atom, thus causing breakage of the phosphodiester link and forming a 2′,3′ cyclic phosphate. The –OH ion facilitates the reaction because it can generate a 2′–O ion from the 2′-OH group, which attacks the phosphorous atom and converts the phosphodiester group into a 2′, 3′ –cyclic nucleotide, thus breaking the polynucleotide chain. Hydrolysis of the cyclic nucleotide produces a mixture of 2′ and 3′ nucleotides at the breakpoint. Moreover, the double stranded DNA has relatively small grooves as opposed to the larger grooves on RNA molecules. This provides ample docking space for damaging enzymes.