In trying to determine whether dna or protein is the genetic material, what are the things that differs between the two?

Genetic material is essential for the growth and reproduction of an organism and the continuity of life. If an organism cannot pass on the required instructions in order to make a copy of itself, it cannot continue to reproduce.

Think of DNA like a set of instructions. This DNA is transcribed (copied) to a message (RNA) that is then translated to a functional output (proteins). The proteins are what carries out all the essential functions in the cell. However, without DNA, the cell/organism would not have the necessary information in order to make the proteins.

The sequence of the DNA is what determines the sequence of the polypeptide chains that make proteins. These proteins carry out essential tasks in the cell, including catalysing reactions, signalling, performing structural tasks, and many more.

The DNA is also what is passed on to the next generation via cell division, in the formation of chromosomes. Chromosomes provide the daughter cells with the information to continue carrying out the functions necessary for survival via DNA encoding proteins.