Which molecule contains the genetic code that determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins?

Which molecule contains the genetic code that determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins?

• A. DNA
• B. RNA
• C. Lipids
• D. Proteins

Answer: (A)

The genetic code is stored in DNA, which serves as the repository of information for making proteins. The sequence of nucleotides in genes is transcribed into messenger RNA, which then guides ribosomes to assemble amino acids in the correct order via tRNA adapters. This flow—DNA to RNA to protein—means the instruction set for protein sequences resides in DNA. Lipids do not carry genetic information, and proteins are the final products built from that information rather than the code itself. While RNA can carry this information during the process of expression, the foundational code is defined by DNA.

The genetic code is stored in DNA, which serves as the repository of information for making proteins. The sequence of nucleotides in genes is transcribed into messenger RNA, which then guides ribosomes to assemble amino acids in the correct order via tRNA adapters. This flow—DNA to RNA to protein—means the instruction set for protein sequences resides in DNA. Lipids do not carry genetic information, and proteins are the final products built from that information rather than the code itself. While RNA can carry this information during the process of expression, the foundational code is defined by DNA.