Why is DNA Considered to Be the Genetic Material in Cellular

Question

Why is DNA considered to be the genetic material in cellular organisms?
A) It can replicate
B) It can direct the function and behavior of an organism
C) It can change over time
D) It can replicate and it can direct the function and behavior of an organism
E) All of these

Accepted Answer

DNA is considered the genetic material because it meets all the criteria listed: it can replicate, allowing genetic information to be passed from cell to cell and from parent to offspring; it directs the function and behavior of an organism by coding for proteins; and it can change over time through mutations, providing the raw material for evolution.