What is the long molecule that contains the genetic instructions for an organism?

Study for the NCEA Level 1 Genetics Exam. Explore genetics concepts with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The long molecule that contains the genetic instructions for an organism is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA serves as the blueprint for all living organisms, carrying the information necessary for growth, development, reproduction, and functioning. The structure of DNA is a double helix, which consists of two long strands twisted around each other, composed of nucleotide units. Each nucleotide includes a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base, which can be adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine. The specific sequence of these bases encodes the genetic information.

In contrast, RNA (ribonucleic acid) plays a crucial role in translating the genetic information stored in DNA into proteins. It is typically single-stranded and performs various functions, including messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.

Proteins are the end products of gene expression and perform a wide variety of functions in organisms, but they do not carry genetic information themselves.

The term "Dinosaur" does not relate to molecular biology or genetics and is irrelevant to the context of the question, as it refers to a group of extinct reptiles.

Thus, DNA is recognized as the molecule responsible for

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