During the course of evolution,why was $DNA$ chosen over $RNA$ as the genetic material? Provide reasons by first discussing the desired criteria for a molecule to act as genetic material and by analyzing the biochemical differences between $DNA$ and $RNA$.

(A) molecule that acts as genetic material must fulfill the following criteria:
$(i)$ Ability to replicate: Due to base pairing and complementarity,both $DNA$ and $RNA$ can direct their own duplication. Proteins fail to meet this criterion.
$(ii)$ Chemical and structural stability: Genetic material must remain stable across different life stages,ages,and physiological changes. $DNA$ is more stable than $RNA$ because the $2'-OH$ group present in every nucleotide of $RNA$ makes it reactive and easily degradable. Additionally,$RNA$ is catalytic,whereas $DNA$ is less reactive. The presence of thymine instead of uracil in $DNA$ also provides additional stability.
$(iii)$ Scope for slow mutation: Both $DNA$ and $RNA$ can mutate. $RNA$ is unstable and mutates at a faster rate,which is beneficial for viruses with short life spans but less ideal for long-term storage of genetic information.
$(iv)$ Expression as Mendelian characters: $RNA$ can directly code for protein synthesis,while $DNA$ depends on $RNA$. However,because $DNA$ is more stable,it is preferred for the storage of genetic information,while $RNA$ is better suited for the transmission of information and protein synthesis. Thus,$DNA$ evolved from $RNA$ with chemical modifications to enhance stability.