What does genomic/nuclear DNA represent?

Genomic or nuclear DNA represents the complete set of genetic instructions inherited from both parents. Each individual has a unique combination of DNA that results from the fusion of genetic material from the mother and the father, allowing for genetic diversity. This DNA contains genes that express various traits and characteristics, and it also plays a crucial role in hereditary processes.

In contrast, DNA can also be found in other forms, such as mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited only from the mother and relates specifically to maternal lineage, thereby emphasizing the importance of both parents in contributing to genomic DNA. Furthermore, non-genetic information does not pertain to the hereditary elements encoded in DNA but rather includes things like environmental factors or epigenetic alterations that can influence gene expression without changing the underlying genetic code. Thus, the correct choice underscores the dual parental contribution to an individual's genetic makeup.