Final answer:
Nucleic acids, primarily DNA and RNA, function to store and transmit genetic information for protein synthesis in living organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of nucleic acids is to store information necessary for creating proteins. Nucleic acids, specifically deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), are essential macromolecules for the continuity of life. They not only carry the genetic blueprint of a cell but also contain instructions for the cell's functioning.
DNA is responsible for storing genetic information, while RNA plays a role in transferring this information and aiding in protein synthesis. This dual functionality confirms that the principal role of nucleic acids is not as a source of energy or to speed up chemical reactions, but rather to store and transmit genetic information vital for protein creation.