What biological macromolecule, composed of C, H, N, O, and P, carries genetic information?

• A. Nucleic acid
• B. Protein
• C. Lipid
• D. Carbohydrate

Answer: (A)

Genetic information is stored in nucleic acids, a class of macromolecules built from nucleotides that include a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing base. The phosphate groups form the backbone, which is why phosphorus is a hallmark element of these molecules. The sequence of bases encodes the instructions for making proteins and regulating cellular functions. DNA serves as the primary repository of hereditary information, while RNA helps read and implement that code. Other listed macromolecules—proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates—do not store genetic information in their structure, even though proteins are produced according to the information carried by nucleic acids. So the macromolecule described is nucleic acid.