The molecules that store and process genetic information are primarily known as nucleic acids, which include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
DNA serves as the long-term storage of genetic information, acting as a blueprint for the development and functioning of living organisms. Its structure consists of two strands forming a double helix, with sequences of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) that encode the information needed for creating proteins and regulating cellular activities.
RNA, on the other hand, plays several roles in the process of gene expression. There are different types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. Transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) also participate in this process, ensuring that amino acids are correctly assembled into proteins.
In summary, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are the key molecules responsible for the storage, transmission, and execution of genetic instructions in all living organisms.