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What is the role of DNA in the storage, expression and transmission of genetic information?

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic material contained within the cells of all living things. It is the blueprint that organisms use to determine all traits and characteristics about the organism. Within the DNA are contained genes, or sections of DNA that code for different traits about an organism. 


Storage:


All genetic material is kept within the organism's DNA. In eukaryotic cells, the DNA is bundled into chromosomes and contained within the nucleus. This protects the DNA from being damaged which could lead to harmful side effects for the cell. Prokaryotic cells, on the other hand, normally have free DNA in their cytosol. Bacteria have evolved to use this to their advantage by learning how to exchange DNA and genes with other bacteria, speeding up their evolutionary cycle. 


Expression:


Most cells use proteins to carry out their jobs and functions. They are used for everything from building the cell, making more cells, or just sending chemical messages. The cell reads the DNA stored within the nucleus in order to learn how to make the large variety of proteins needed to maintain life. Without the correct DNA molecule, the genes would be incorrect and the cell would make incorrect or incomplete proteins. 


Transmission:


When passing on genetic material to offspring, whether via asexual or sexual reproduction, it is important that all genetic information is passed along. Before division, the genetic information is doubled to create twin sets of DNA. These sets are then split and the result is two cells, each with one copy of the original set. If the DNA were unable to copy itself, the cell would not be capable of creating offspring with similar traits, or any offspring at all. 

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