DNA: Blueprint of the Proteins

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule consisting of two chains that wrap around each other to form a double helix. It contains the genetic instructions for the development, function, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses. DNA and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are nucleic acids. Nucleic acids, along with proteins, lipids, and complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides), are one of the four major types of macromolecules essential to all known forms of life.