Genetic information is carried in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) through the sequence of nucleotide bases. Both DNA and RNA are composed of a specific set of four nucleotide bases, but there are some structural and functional differences between them:

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid):

1. Double Helix: DNA is typically found as a double-stranded molecule, forming a double helix. The two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.
2. Bases: DNA contains four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases pair in a complementary manner: A with T and C with G.
3. Sugar: DNA contains deoxyribose sugar as part of its nucleotides.
4. Function: DNA is the primary genetic material in cells and carries the long-term genetic information. It is typically located in the cell nucleus.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid):

1. Single Stranded: RNA is generally a single-stranded molecule, though it can fold back on itself to form secondary structures.
2. Bases: RNA also contains the bases adenine (A), cytosine (C), and guanine (G), but instead of thymine, it has uracil (U). The pairing rules in RNA are A with U and C with G.
3. Sugar: RNA contains ribose sugar as part of its nucleotides.
4. Types: There are several types of RNA with various functions. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. Transfer RNA (tRNA) assists in bringing the correct amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a structural and functional component of ribosomes.

Carrying Genetic Information:

In both DNA and RNA, the sequence of these nitrogenous bases carries the genetic information. The order of the bases in a DNA molecule forms a genetic code that specifies the sequence of amino acids in proteins. In RNA, the information from DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into proteins by the cellular machinery.

This genetic code is read by cellular machinery, allowing it to synthesize the proteins necessary for various cellular functions and the expression of an organism’s traits.