What is the primary function of DNA?

The primary function of DNA is to encode genetic instructions for organisms. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, carries the hereditary information necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. It is structured as a double helix and comprises sequences of nucleotides that specify the amino acid sequences of proteins, which are crucial for various cellular functions. Therefore, the encoding of genetic information is fundamental to life's processes, allowing for the transmission of traits from one generation to the next and guiding the synthesis of proteins that are essential for cell structure and function.