genetic material

Genetic material refers to the molecules that store and transmit the instructions needed for living organisms to grow, develop, and function. In most organisms, this material is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which is made up of long chains of chemical building blocks. DNA carries the genetic information in the form of genes, directing how cells make proteins and determine traits. In some viruses, genetic material is RNA. This genetic code is inherited from parents, guiding an organism's characteristics and helping ensure the continuity of life across generations.