Final answer:
DNA's primary role in cells is to store genetic information, ensure its accurate replication to daughter cells, and to regulate the synthesis of proteins that determine a cell's structure and function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Role of DNA n Cells
The role of the DNA molecule in cells is multifaceted. The most accurate statement that summarizes its role is: 'DNA stores genetic information and passes it onto new cells.' This captures the essence of DNA's primary function which is to preserve and transmit genetic information from one generation to the next through the process of replication. Additionally, DNA directs and regulates protein synthesis which is essential for all cellular functions. Each gene in the DNA sequence encodes the specific instructions for making proteins, which are vital for cell structure and function. This process involves two key steps: transcription, where DNA is transcribed to messenger RNA (mRNA), and translation, where mRNA is used to build proteins with the help of ribosome and tRNA molecules.
Summary of DNA's Role
- DNA stores the complete genetic information necessary for the structural makeup and functionality of organisms.
- During cell division, DNA replicates to ensure each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the DNA.
- DNA regulates the construction of proteins through transcription and translation, determining the genotype and phenotype of a cell.