DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for all living organisms. It contains the information needed to build and maintain cells, and it is passed from parents to offspring, determining inherited traits like eye color and height. DNA is organized into genes, which code for proteins that perform various functions in the body.

Understanding DNA helps scientists study heredity, genetic disorders, and the development of life itself. Advances in genetics have led to breakthroughs in medicine, such as gene therapy and personalized treatments. The study of DNA continues to unlock mysteries about human biology and evolution. Shutdown123