Biology STAAR Practice Test 2026 - Free State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness Practice Questions and Study Guide

Nucleic acids are the biomolecules that store genetic information. They include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA carries the genetic blueprints that determine the characteristics of living organisms and is responsible for the hereditary material passed from parents to offspring. The structure of DNA, characterized by its double helix formation, allows it to store vast amounts of genetic information within its sequences of nucleotides.

On the other hand, carbohydrates serve primarily as energy sources and structural components in cells. Lipids, which include fats and oils, play key roles in energy storage and forming cellular membranes. Proteins are essential for countless functions within the body, including catalyzing metabolic reactions and providing structural support, but they do not store genetic information. The specific role of nucleic acids in genetics explains why they are recognized as the primary storage molecules for hereditary information.