Which class of molecules is primarily responsible for storing genetic information?

Nucleic acids are the class of molecules primarily responsible for storing genetic information. They include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA serves as the genetic blueprint for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. The structure of DNA, characterized by its double helix formation, allows it to encode the instructions necessary for building proteins and carrying out cellular processes. The sequence of nucleotides in DNA dictates genetic traits and is passed from one generation to the next through mechanisms such as replication and transcription.

RNA, while primarily involved in protein synthesis and regulation, also plays roles in the transmission of genetic information. However, it is DNA that serves as the main repository of genetic material in cells. This distinction underscores the central role of nucleic acids in heredity and the biochemical foundation of life.