Which macromolecule is essential for storage of genetic information in living organisms?

Nucleic acids are essential for the storage of genetic information in living organisms, primarily due to their structure and function. DNA, a type of nucleic acid, serves as the hereditary material in almost all organisms. It contains the instructions needed to develop, live, and reproduce. The information is encoded in the sequence of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA. These sequences determine the genetic traits of an organism, allowing for the transmission of characteristics from one generation to the next.

In contrast, while proteins play critical roles in carrying out various functions within cells and organisms, they do not store genetic information. Carbohydrates are mainly involved in energy storage and providing structural support in cells, and lipids are important for membrane structure and energy storage as well, but neither of these categories is responsible for genetic information storage. Thus, nucleic acids are uniquely positioned as the molecules that carry and preserve the genetic code necessary for life.