Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for storing genetic information?

Nucleic acids, specifically DNA and RNA, are the primary macromolecules responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. DNA holds the genetic blueprint for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. It consists of a series of nucleotides arranged in a specific sequence, which encodes the instructions needed to build proteins and regulate cellular activities.

RNA, on the other hand, plays a key role in translating that genetic information from DNA into proteins through processes like transcription and translation. In this capacity, RNA acts as a messenger and a functional component in the expression of genes.

Understanding the structure and function of nucleic acids highlights their crucial role in heredity and biological inheritance, making them the fundamental molecules for genetic storage.