Which of the following statements about nucleic acids is correct?

• A. They are composed of amino acids
• B. They store genetic information
• C. They function solely as energy carriers
• D. They are hydrophobic molecules

Answer: (B)

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, play a fundamental role in storing and transmitting genetic information within living organisms. This characteristic is central to their function because genetic information is essential for encoding proteins, which are needed for various cellular processes. DNA serves as the blueprint for all inherited traits, while RNA is involved in translating that information into proteins.

The other statements are not applicable to nucleic acids. For instance, nucleic acids are not composed of amino acids; rather, they are made up of nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Additionally, while nucleotides like ATP can act as energy carriers in cells, nucleic acids themselves do not function solely in this capacity. Furthermore, nucleic acids are generally hydrophilic due to their phosphate backbone, which interacts well with water, rather than being hydrophobic. Thus, the correct understanding is that nucleic acids are indeed pivotal for storing genetic information.