Final answer:
DNA contains the genetic instructions for protein production, with genes coding for the sequence of amino acids in proteins. Proteins are synthesized through gene expression using RNA intermediaries, and they determine the structure and function of cells, influencing an organism's traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between DNA and proteins is a fundamental aspect of molecular biology. DNA serves as the blueprint for protein synthesis, storing the instructions needed to build proteins which are vital for cell structure and function. This process begins with genes, which are segments of DNA that contain specific codes for the sequences of amino acids in proteins. Through gene expression, these codes are translated to form the wide array of proteins necessary for life, with enzymes playing a crucial role in facilitating the biochemical reactions required for this synthesis.
DNA does not directly create proteins because it is located in the nucleus (in eukaryotic cells) while proteins are synthesized on ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Instead, RNA acts as an intermediary, carrying the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosome where protein synthesis occurs. The sequence of nitrogen bases in DNA determines the genetic code, which in turn dictates the structure and function of the resulting proteins, impacting an organism's traits and characteristics.