Which among the following can act as genetic material ?

DNA and RNA.

The correct answer is Option (3) - DNA and RNA .

Genetic material is responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information in living organisms. Both DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) can serve as genetic material, depending on the organism and the context.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid):

DNA is the primary genetic material in most living organisms, including humans, animals, plants, and many microorganisms. It contains the instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. DNA is a double-stranded molecule with a long chain of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine).

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid):

RNA can act as genetic material in some viruses, known as RNA viruses (e.g., retroviruses like HIV, influenza virus, and coronavirus). RNA nucleotides contain a sugar (ribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, uracil, cytosine, or guanine).

Therefore, both DNA and RNA can serve as genetic material, with DNA being the primary genetic material in most organisms and RNA serving as genetic material in certain viruses.