What is DNA data storage and why is it considered high-density storage?

• A. DNA data storage stores data in proteins.
• B. DNA data storage encodes digital information into DNA sequences with extremely high theoretical density and long-term stability under proper conditions.
• C. DNA data storage uses magnetic tape as the storage medium.
• D. DNA data storage relies on RNA as the storage medium.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how DNA can serve as a data-storage medium and why it can be so densely packed with information. Data is encoded into sequences of the four DNA bases (A, C, G, T) so digital bits map to those letters. Because DNA can store huge amounts of information in an incredibly tiny physical space, its theoretical density is extremely high—far surpassing traditional media. With careful encoding schemes and error-correcting codes, the data can be written by synthesizing DNA and later read by sequencing, enabling reliable retrieval. Importantly, DNA is chemically stable in proper storage conditions (low humidity, cool temperatures, and darkness), allowing long-term archival potential.

Storing data in proteins isn’t how this concept is defined, magnetic tape is a conventional storage medium, and using RNA as the storage molecule would be less stable and is not the mainstream approach.