What is the role of nucleic acids in living organisms?

What is the role of nucleic acids in living organisms?

• A. Energy storage
• B. Information storage
• C. Structural support
• D. Catalysis of biochemical reactions

Answer: (B)

Nucleic acids, primarily DNA and RNA, play a crucial role in storing and transmitting genetic information within living organisms. DNA houses the genetic blueprint for an organism, containing sequences of nucleotides that encode the information necessary for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living things. Through the process of transcription and translation, DNA is used to synthesize RNA, which then guides the synthesis of proteins, essential for various cellular functions. This information storage capacity is vital as it enables heredity and the transfer of genetic traits from one generation to the next, ensuring continuity and evolution of life. In contrast, energy storage is primarily attributed to carbohydrates and lipids, which store energy for metabolic processes. Structural support is typically provided by proteins and carbohydrates that form cellular structures and tissues. While some RNA molecules do have catalytic roles, such as ribozymes, the primary function of nucleic acids remains the storage and transmission of genetic information.

Nucleic acids, primarily DNA and RNA, play a crucial role in storing and transmitting genetic information within living organisms. DNA houses the genetic blueprint for an organism, containing sequences of nucleotides that encode the information necessary for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living things. Through the process of transcription and translation, DNA is used to synthesize RNA, which then guides the synthesis of proteins, essential for various cellular functions. This information storage capacity is vital as it enables heredity and the transfer of genetic traits from one generation to the next, ensuring continuity and evolution of life.

In contrast, energy storage is primarily attributed to carbohydrates and lipids, which store energy for metabolic processes. Structural support is typically provided by proteins and carbohydrates that form cellular structures and tissues. While some RNA molecules do have catalytic roles, such as ribozymes, the primary function of nucleic acids remains the storage and transmission of genetic information.