why do some scientists believe that rna, rather than dna, was the first genetic material?

Some scientists believe that RNA, rather than DNA, was the first genetic material because RNA has the unique ability to both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions. This dual functionality supports the "RNA world hypothesis," which proposes that early life relied on RNA to carry genetic instructions and to catalyze essential biochemical processes before the evolution of DNA and proteins. RNA can spontaneously assemble from nucleotides, has self-replication capability, and contains ribozymes (RNA enzymes) that catalyze chemical reactions, including peptide bond formation. In contrast, DNA lacks natural catalytic properties and is chemically more stable but evolved later as a superior genetic storage molecule. Additionally, the sugar ribose in RNA can be formed under plausible prebiotic conditions, whereas deoxyribose in DNA is a derivative of ribose, suggesting RNA's earlier appearance in evolution. RNA's catalytic and genetic capabilities would have enabled primitive life forms to replicate and evolve before more stable DNA and specialized proteins took over their respective roles.