Final answer:
DNA is the hereditary material found in the cells of humans and other organisms, carrying genetic information essential for replication, function, and the transmission of traits from parents to offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly known as DNA, is the hereditary material in humans and nearly all other organisms. Every cell in an organism's body typically has the same DNA. The majority of DNA is located within the cell nucleus and is referred to as nuclear DNA; however, it can also be found in the mitochondria and chloroplasts for eukaryotes. In prokaryotes, DNA resides within the nuclear zone and is not enclosed by a membrane. The discovery of DNA's double-helix structure by Watson and Crick in 1953 revolutionized the understanding of how genetic information is stored, transferred, and translated within the cell.
DNA is a double-stranded polymer of nucleotides that contains the information necessary for replicating a cell and producing the chemical and structural components the cell needs. Each strand of DNA consists of a linear polymer of nucleotide bases arranged in a specific sequence which provides the template for producing proteins and for the replication of identical DNA molecules during cell division. This incredible molecule is responsible for carrying genetic information from parents to offspring and determines individual traits and characteristics. Thus, DNA is essential for heredity, genetic diversity, and the function and reproduction of organisms.