OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What is the primary role of DNA in living organisms?

To produce energy for the cell
To store and transmit genetic information
To transport nutrients across membranes
To catalyze biochemical reactions

The correct answer is: To store and transmit genetic information

The primary role of DNA in living organisms is to store and transmit genetic information. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, serves as the blueprint for all living things, encoding the instructions needed for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of organisms. This genetic information is organized into genes, which determine the traits and functions of an organism. During processes such as replication and transcription, DNA is crucial for passing this genetic information from one generation to the next and for directing the synthesis of proteins, which are essential for a wide array of cellular functions. The ability of DNA to store complex instructions means that it can control and guide the biological processes necessary for life. In contrast, the other options describe functions that are not primarily associated with DNA. Producing energy for the cell typically involves molecules like ATP, while nutrients are transported across membranes by proteins and cellular structures, and biochemical reactions are catalyzed by enzymes, which are often proteins but not DNA itself.