DNA and RNA are examples of what?

• A. Nucleic acids
• B. Lipids
• C. Proteins
• D. Carbohydrates

Answer: (A)

DNA and RNA are nucleic acids, a class of biomolecules whose building blocks are nucleotides. Each nucleotide has a sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogenous base, and the sequence of these bases stores and carries genetic information. DNA is typically double-stranded with deoxyribose sugar and thymine, providing a stable genetic blueprint, while RNA is usually single-stranded with ribose sugar and uracil, acting to read and implement the genetic instructions. This role and structure set nucleic acids apart from lipids, which mainly store energy and form membranes; proteins, which perform most cellular tasks; and carbohydrates, which provide energy and structure. Understanding that DNA and RNA are nucleic acids helps explain their central role in genetics and protein synthesis.