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Deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly known as DNA, is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. DNA is a double helix structure, composed of two strands of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). The sequence of these bases along the DNA strand forms the genetic code, which determines the characteristics of an organism.

The two strands of the DNA double helix are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases, with adenine always pairing with thymine (A-T) and guanine always pairing with cytosine (G-C). This specific base pairing is crucial for DNA replication, the process by which DNA makes copies of itself. During replication, the two strands separate, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. This ensures that genetic information is accurately passed from one generation of cells to the next.

DNA is found primarily in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, organized into structures called chromosomes. In prokaryotic cells, DNA is located in the cytoplasm in a region called the nucleoid. The study of DNA, known as molecular biology, has revolutionized our understanding of heredity, evolution, and disease, leading to advancements in genetic engineering, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.