What is the primary function of nucleic acids?

Nucleic acids, which include DNA and RNA, play a crucial role in living organisms primarily by storing and transmitting hereditary information. DNA contains the genetic blueprint that guides the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. It carries the instructions for making proteins, which are vital for the structure and function of cells. RNA is involved in the synthesis of proteins, serving as a messenger that conveys the instructions from DNA to the cellular machinery that produces proteins. This process is fundamental to the expression of genetic traits and the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next, ensuring the continuity of genetic material in inherited characteristics.

The other options, while related to cellular functions, do not accurately reflect the primary role of nucleic acids. Storing and transmitting energy, facilitating cellular respiration, and providing structural support are functions attributed to different biomolecules, such as carbohydrates and proteins, rather than nucleic acids.