Answer: 1) DNA ( deoxyribonucleic acid) is considered as the genetic material of living organisms ( that is passed from parents to next generation). It determines the structure of protein that carry out essential function of life.
- For this, DNA possesses instructions in the form of specific nucleotide sequences. First it undergoes transcription, in which genetic information from DNA is passed to mRNA ( messenger RNA), which is finally converted to specific protein through translation.
2) The importance of DNA determining proteins is that the proteins, which are formed, corresponds to specific cellular activities ( such as digestion of proteins, fats, carbohydrates) as well as the characteristics/ traits ( like color of skin, color of eyes) of the organism.
In this way, traits are passed from parents to their offspring through genetic material.