Which biological macromolecule encodes genetic information and can self-replicate?

The biological macromolecule that encodes genetic information and has the ability to self-replicate is DNA. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, serves as the foundational blueprint for all living organisms, carrying the instructions necessary for development, functioning, growth, and reproduction. Its structure consists of a double helix formed by two strands composed of nucleotides, which include a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

During the process of replication, DNA unwinds and separates into two strands, each serving as a template for the formation of a new complementary strand. This self-replication is a crucial aspect of biological inheritance, ensuring that genetic information is passed down from one generation to the next during cell division.

While RNA also plays a significant role in the storage and expression of genetic information, it does not have the same structural stability or self-replicating capability as DNA. Proteins, although vital for numerous functions within living organisms, do not encode genetic information themselves. Carbohydrates primarily serve as energy sources and structural components, and are not involved in genetic encoding or replication. Thus, the unique properties of DNA make it the correct answer, given its essential role in encoding genetic information and its ability to replicate