In genetics, the acronym DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is the molecular structure that carries genetic information essential for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. The sequence of nucleotides in DNA encodes the instructions for making proteins, which carry out various functions within the cell. Understanding DNA structure and function is critical in fields such as genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology, influencing research areas from genetic engineering to forensic science.