DNA's primary function is to carry the genetic instructions necessary for an organism's development, survival, and reproduction. These instructions are encoded in the sequence of four nitrogenous bases—adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G)—along the DNA molecule. The order of these bases determines the biological information that guides the production of proteins, which perform most of the work in cells and ultimately determine an organism's traits
. DNA achieves its function by serving as a template for the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA) during transcription. The mRNA then conveys the genetic instructions to the cell's protein-making machinery, where proteins are assembled according to the sequence encoded in DNA. Proteins influence the organism’s structure, function, and regulation of tissues and organs
. Additionally, DNA's double helix structure allows it to replicate accurately during cell division, ensuring genetic information is passed from one generation to the next. This replication involves each strand serving as a template to form a new complementary strand, maintaining the integrity of the genetic code
. In summary, DNA functions as the molecule that stores, replicates, and transmits genetic information, directing protein synthesis and thereby controlling the biological characteristics and functioning of all living organisms
