AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Though both the nucleic acids can act as genetic material, DNA is much more preferred. DNA is stable both chemically and structurally which make it well-built genetic material. RNA in humans does not act as a genetic material but play various other roles such as an adapter, enzyme, helps in protein synthesis, etc.

Detailed explanation-2: -Genetic material is the hereditary substance in the cell. It carries all information specific to an organism. It is known as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid).

Detailed explanation-3: -Today, we know that DNA is the genetic material: the molecule that bears genes, is passed from parents to children, and provides instructions for the growth and functioning of living organisms.

Detailed explanation-4: -The genetic material of bacteria and plasmids is DNA. Bacterial viruses (bacteriophages or phages) have DNA or RNA as genetic material. The two essential functions of genetic material are replication and expression.

Detailed explanation-5: -Organisms that need to change rapidly tend to use RNA as their genetic material. Viruses, such as influenza and HIV, choose RNA rather than the more stable alternative of DNA so they can change and keep one step ahead of the immune system of their hosts.