1. Ability to store information: The molecule must be able to store the genetic instructions necessary for building and maintaining an organism. This information must be comprehensive and include blueprints for proteins, regulatory elements, and other cellular functions.
2. Ability to replicate accurately: The molecule must be able to make precise copies of itself during cell division. This ensures that all daughter cells receive a complete and accurate set of genetic instructions.
3. Ability to undergo mutations: While accurate replication is crucial, the molecule must also be able to change (mutate) occasionally. These mutations provide the raw material for evolution, allowing populations to adapt to changing environments.
DNA fulfills all of these criteria, making it the primary hereditary molecule in cells.
