Question

the characteristics of all organisms and viruses are determined by the instructions carried in ______.
a. nucleic acids
b. sugar bases
c. phosphoric acids
d. hydrogen bonds

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) carry genetic instructions that determine the characteristics of organisms and viruses.
• Option B: Sugar bases are part of nucleic acid structure but don't carry instructions alone.
• Option C: Phosphoric acids are part of nucleic acid backbone, not the instruction - carrying component.
• Option D: Hydrogen bonds stabilize nucleic acid structure, not carry instructions.

Answer:

A. nucleic acids