What is DNA, and How Does it Affect Inheritance?

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is the biological molecule that contains the genetic code for the development, growth, functioning, and reproduction of all living being. It is often referred to as the blueprint of life because it carries the information necessary for cells to produce proteins, which are important for all biological functions.

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Structure of DNA

DNA comprises two long strands forming a double helix, which looks like a twisted ladder. Each strand is composed of four types of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA:

- Adenine (A)

- Thymine (T)

- Cytosine (C)

- Guanine (G)

These nucleotides pair up (A with T and C with G) to form the ladder's rung . The sequence of these nucleotides decides the genetic code.

Role in Inheritance

DNA is passed from parents to offspring through reproductive cells (egg and sperm in humans). Each parent contributes half of their DNA to their child, which is why offspring inherit traits from both parents. The specific sections of DNA that code for particular traits are called genes. These genes are responsible for various characteristics like eye colour, height, or even susceptibility to certain diseases.

When cells divide, DNA replicates so that each new cell has the same genetic information. However, sometimes mutations or changes in DNA sequences occur, which can introduce variations in traits and be passed