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Role of Nucleic Acids in Storing Hereditary Genetic Code Biology Guide
Nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) uniquely store genetic information through nucleotide base sequences for heredity and protein synthesis—not proteins, triglycerides, or glycogen—key concept for General Biology certification exams.
Question
Which of the following biomolecules store the genetic information?
A. Proteins
B. Triglycerides
C. Nucleic acids
D. Glycogen
Answer
C. Nucleic acids
Explanation
Nucleic acids, specifically DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), serve as the primary biomolecules responsible for storing, transmitting, and expressing genetic information in all living organisms, with DNA functioning as the stable double-helix repository of hereditary instructions in chromosomes and RNA facilitating intermediary roles like mRNA transcription, tRNA translation, and rRNA ribosomal assembly. Composed of nucleotide polymers—each with a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA, ribose in RNA), phosphate backbone, and nitrogenous bases (A, T/U, G, C)—genetic code resides in the precise sequence of these bases, which dictates protein synthesis via the central dogma (DNA → RNA → protein) through processes like replication, transcription, and translation. In contrast, proteins execute cellular functions as enzymes or structures, triglycerides store energy as fats, and glycogen reserves glucose for quick energy release, none of which encode heritable genetic data.