What molecule carries genetic information in cells?

The molecule that carries genetic information in cells is nucleic acids, specifically DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA is the primary molecule that encodes the instructions necessary for the growth, development, and functioning of living organisms. It stores all the genetic information required to produce proteins, which are essential for various biological functions. RNA plays a crucial role in transferring this genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.

Nucleic acids are composed of nucleotides, which include a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of these nucleotides encodes the genetic instructions, determining everything from physical traits to basic cellular functions. This defining characteristic of nucleic acids as carriers of genetic information is vital for inheritance, as they are passed from one generation to the next.

In contrast, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is primarily an energy currency in cells but does not carry genetic information. Differentiated proteins, while crucial for various functions in the body, are the products of the genetic information encoded in nucleic acids, rather than carriers of that information. Carbohydrates are important energy sources and structural components but do not play a role