What is the role of DNA in cells?

DNA plays a fundamental role in cells by storing genetic information and providing the instructions necessary for protein synthesis. It is the blueprint for the organism; the sequences of nucleotides in DNA encode the information required to build proteins, which perform a vast array of functions within the cell and organism. This process begins with transcription, where the information in a gene is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which then undergoes translation to form a specific protein.

Each protein has a unique structure and function, which is determined by the sequence of amino acids specified by the corresponding segment of DNA. Thus, DNA serves not only as a repository of genetic information but also as the source of guidance for the synthesis of proteins that are crucial for the cell's structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. This central role of DNA emphasizes its importance in cellular processes and overall organismal development and functioning.