Final answer:
Quantum information is characterized by its non-duplicable and non-deletable nature in contrast to classical information that can be copied and erased.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinguishing characteristic of quantum information, as highlighted in the text, is that it is non-duplicable and non-deletable, contrasting with classical information which can typically be copied and erased. This principle is encapsulated by the no-cloning theorem in quantum mechanics, which states that it is impossible to create an identical copy of an arbitrary unknown quantum state.
This non-duplicable nature contributes to the unique properties of quantum information, opening a variety of applications in quantum computing and quantum cryptography, where information security is bolstered by these quantum characteristics.