Genetic information is transferred by?

SGPGI Nursing Officer-2022

Pathology & Genetics

Medium

Appeared in: SGPGI Nursing Officer-2022

Explanation

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the primary carrier of genetic information in all cellular organisms, from bacteria to humans.
RNA (Ribonucleic acid) serves as the genetic material for a large number of viruses, including clinically significant ones like influenza, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2.
Because both molecules are used in nature to store and transfer hereditary information, the most complete answer is 'Both'.

Option A: This option is incomplete. While DNA is the genetic material for most life forms, it ignores the fact that many viruses use RNA to carry their genetic information.
Option B: This option is also incomplete. It correctly identifies RNA's role in some viruses but overlooks DNA as the primary genetic material for all cellular life.
Option D: This is incorrect because nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) are the fundamental molecules responsible for storing and transferring genetic information in all known life.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Carriers of Genetic Information as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding that many viruses (like influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and measles) are RNA-based is critical for nurses. RNA is inherently less stable than DNA, leading to higher mutation rates in these viruses.
This high mutation rate explains why new influenza vaccines are required each year and why new variants of viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can emerge rapidly, impacting public health strategies, vaccine effectiveness, and patient education.
What if? If a patient is diagnosed with HIV, which is a retrovirus (a type of RNA virus), the nurse must understand its unique replication. The virus uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA genome into DNA, which then integrates into the host's own DNA. This is why the infection is lifelong and requires continuous antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage.

How to Approach the Question

Step 1: Identify the core of the question, which asks about the molecule(s) that transfer 'genetic information'.
Step 2: Recall the fundamental principles of molecular biology. DNA is the primary genetic material for most life forms (cellular organisms).
Step 3: Consider the full scope of biology, including non-cellular entities like viruses. Remember that many viruses use RNA as their genetic material.
Step 4: Evaluate the options based on this comprehensive knowledge. 'DNA' alone is incomplete. 'RNA' alone is also incomplete.
Step 5: Conclude that 'Both' is the only option that accurately covers all known biological systems for storing and transferring hereditary information.

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