Bacteria contain both RNA and DNA, but they primarily have DNA as their genetic material. The DNA in bacteria is typically organized in a single circular chromosome, which contains all the necessary information for their growth, reproduction, and functioning.
Additionally, bacteria also possess ribonucleic acid (RNA), which plays a crucial role in translating the genetic information stored in DNA into proteins. RNA is synthesized from DNA and can be found in several forms, including messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the instructions from DNA to the ribosomes where proteins are made.
In summary, while bacteria predominantly rely on DNA to store their genetic instructions, they also utilize RNA in the process of protein synthesis, making both nucleic acids essential for their life processes.