Which molecule is primarily responsible for carrying genetic information?

The molecule primarily responsible for carrying genetic information is DNA. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, serves as the blueprint for all living organisms. It contains the instructions necessary for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses. The structure of DNA is a double helix formed by nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of these bases encodes genetic information, which is utilized during processes such as transcription and translation to produce proteins that perform essential functions in the cell.

While RNA also plays a significant role in the expression of genetic information—acting as a messenger or intermediary in the process of converting DNA instructions into proteins—DNA is the primary storage medium for genetic material. Proteins, although crucial for various structural and functional roles within the body, do not carry genetic information. Lipids, on the other hand, are primarily involved in energy storage and cell membrane structure, not genetic information transmission. Therefore, DNA unequivocally stands out as the essential molecule for the storage and transmission of genetic information.