Final Answer:
In the mid-1940s, genetic information was known to consist of nucleic acid and protein. The correct option is (b) nucleic acid and protein
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option is (b) nucleic acid and protein. During the mid-1940s, scientists had established that genetic information was carried by nucleic acids, specifically DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), and proteins. This understanding formed the basis of the central dogma of molecular biology, which describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.
Nucleic Acid: DNA and RNA are nucleic acids that store and transmit genetic information. DNA serves as the stable storage form, while RNA carries the information to the cellular machinery for protein synthesis.
Protein: Proteins are key molecules that perform various functions in living organisms. In the context of genetic information, proteins are involved in processes like transcription and translation, playing a crucial role in the expression of genetic instructions.