Which class of macromolecules is considered to be the information-carrying molecules of the cell?

Nucleic acids are recognized as the information-carrying molecules of the cell primarily because they are responsible for storing, transmitting, and expressing genetic information. The two main types of nucleic acids, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), play crucial roles in the biology of living organisms.

DNA contains the genetic blueprint that dictates the characteristics and functions of an organism. It stores information in sequences of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA. This genetic information is then transcribed into RNA, which carries the instructions from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. This process of transcription and translation is fundamental to cellular function and is how genetic information is expressed.

In contrast, proteins are essential for carrying out various functions in the cell but do not serve as the carriers of genetic information. Carbohydrates primarily function as energy sources and structural components, while lipids serve roles in energy storage and membrane structure. Although these macromolecules are vital for cellular processes, they do not carry genetic information in the same way that nucleic acids do.