Which class of biomolecules serves as hereditary molecules containing genetic information?

Nucleic acids are the class of biomolecules that serve as hereditary molecules containing genetic information. This includes DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA is primarily responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information in living organisms. It carries the instructions needed for growth, development, and reproduction by encoding genes, which are segments of DNA that determine specific traits and functions within an organism.

In contrast, proteins are made up of amino acids and play critical roles in various biological processes but do not serve as hereditary molecules. Carbohydrates mainly function as energy sources and structural components in cells, while lipids serve primarily as long-term energy storage and structural components of cell membranes. Thus, nucleic acids uniquely contain the blueprints of life, making them essential for heredity and the continuity of genetic information across generations.