Final answer:
The purpose of DNA is to store and transmit genetic information in living organisms, acting as a blueprint for the construction and functioning of cells. DNA contains instructions for making proteins, which are essential for various cellular processes and functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is to store and transmit genetic information in living organisms. It acts as a blueprint for the construction and functioning of cells and determines an organism's traits, such as physical features and susceptibility to certain diseases.
DNA contains the instructions for making proteins, which are essential for various cellular processes and functions. These proteins play a crucial role in building and maintaining the structures of cells, carrying out chemical reactions, and regulating gene expression.
Overall, DNA serves as the foundation of genetics and heredity, allowing for the transmission of traits from one generation to the next.