Which component of a nucleotide carries the genetic information?

The component of a nucleotide that carries genetic information is the nitrogen base. Each nucleotide within nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, consists of three parts: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base. The nitrogen base is critical because it is the sequence of these bases that encodes the genetic information. In DNA, there are four types of nitrogen bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine), and in RNA, uracil replaces thymine. The specific order of these bases determines the genetic code, which translates into the instructions for building proteins and informs cellular functions.

The sugar provides structural integrity to the nucleotide, while the phosphate group contributes to the backbone of the nucleic acid chain. However, neither plays a role in carrying genetic information. Fatty acids, which are components of lipids, are not relevant in the structure or function of nucleotides and do not carry any genetic information.