DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the molecule that carries genetic information inside the cells of living organisms, serving as the instructions for how the body is made and functions
. DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix structure, with a backbone made of sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups. Attached to the sugar are four types of bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) that pair specifically (A with T, C with G) to encode genetic information
. This genetic code determines inherited traits such as hair color, eye color, height, and even influences health and behavior. DNA is stored in chromosomes within nearly every cell, and individuals inherit two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent
