What type of biological molecule is primarily involved in encoding genetic information?

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the primary biological molecule that encodes genetic information. DNA is composed of two strands that form a double helix, and its structure consists of sequences of nucleotides. These nucleotides contain four different bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) that pair specifically (adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine) to encode the genetic instructions essential for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms.

The information encoded within DNA is organized into genes, which dictate the synthesis of proteins through processes such as transcription and translation. Each gene serves as a template for the formation of messenger RNA (mRNA), which then guides the assembly of amino acids into proteins. Thus, while other biological molecules like RNA and proteins also play critical roles in the expression and regulation of genetic information, DNA stands at the forefront as the molecule that maintains and transmits genetic instructions from one generation to the next.

In terms of biological roles, carbohydrates serve primarily as energy sources and structural components, whereas proteins perform a wide array of functions in the body, including enzyme activity and cellular signaling. RNA, while involved in the process of translating genetic information into proteins, is