What is the primary function of DNA?

The primary function of DNA is to serve as a complex molecule that contains genetic information. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries the instructions needed for an organism's development, functioning, growth, and reproduction. It encodes the genetic blueprint that determines the traits and characteristics of living organisms by specifying the sequences of nucleotides. This genetic information is crucial for processes such as cell division, protein synthesis, and inheritance.

While energy sources for cellular work are important, they are not the function of DNA. Organelles responsible for photosynthesis, like chloroplasts, and sequences of amino acids, which are related to proteins, are distinct biological components unrelated to the primary role of DNA. Thus, recognizing DNA's role in storing and transmitting genetic information is fundamental to understanding biology.