Final answer:
DNA serves as the instruction manual for all cellular activities, including replication, gene expression, and inheritance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Function of DNA in a Cell
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, serves as the instruction manual for all cellular activities. It contains the genetic information needed for the growth, development, and functioning of an organism.
Some key functions of DNA include:
- Replication: DNA is able to make copies of itself, ensuring that each new cell produced by cell division has a complete set of genetic instructions.
- Gene Expression: DNA provides the code for the production of proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of cells. This process, known as gene expression, involves transcription and translation.
- Inheritance: DNA carries the hereditary information from one generation to the next. It allows the transfer of traits and characteristics from parents to offspring.
Learn more about Function of DNA in a cell