Genetic material refers to the molecules that carry the information necessary for the growth, development, and functioning of living organisms. The primary type of genetic material is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which is structured as a double helix and contains sequences of nucleotides. These sequences encode the instructions for building proteins, which perform various functions in the body. In some viruses, RNA (ribonucleic acid) serves as the genetic material instead of DNA. Both DNA and RNA are essential for heredity, as they are passed from parents to offspring, ensuring the continuity of genetic information across generations.