What is the primary function of DNA?

The primary function of DNA is to store and transmit genetic information. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material found in almost all living organisms. It contains the instructions needed for an organism's development, reproduction, and functioning. The sequences of nucleotides in DNA form genes, which encode for proteins, and these proteins ultimately determine the traits and characteristics of the organism.

While DNA plays a crucial role in the processes of creating proteins—through transcription and translation—it is fundamentally a blueprint that guides the synthesis of these proteins and ensures that genetic information is passed down from one generation to the next. Therefore, the central role of DNA as a repository and transmitter of genetic information is what makes it indispensable for life.