Which molecule contains the genetic information that is transmitted hereditarily and which controls cellular function?

Question: Which molecule contains the genetic information that is transmitted hereditarily and which controls cellular function?
- Keywords:
  genetic,
  hereditary,
  molecule
Asked by Ana María to Eoin, Ester, Ildiko, Natasha, Paul, Tom on 6 Nov 2017.
- Eoin McKinney answered on 6 Nov 2017:
  
  DNA contains our genetic code that is inherited by both new cells and by our children in the form of genes. The DNA contianed in genes produces messages (RNA) that are turned into proteins which control and direct cell function. However, we now know that we can pass on information in other ways, too. DNA and its packaging proteins can be ‘marked’ by some chemical changes that make genes more or less likely to be switched on. These marks can be inherited, too. While they don’t change our genetic code, they do influence how it works and have an impact on cell function, too. These marks are called ‘epigenetic’ changes.

Question: Which molecule contains the genetic information that is transmitted hereditarily and which controls cellular function?