DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that contains the genetic instructions used in the growth and development of all living organisms. It comprises nucleotides linked together to form a double helix structure. DNA determines how our bodies function and develop as we age.
The first significant discovery of DNA was made by James Watson and Francis Crick, who determined its structure back in 1953. Since then, research has revealed that it consists of four different bases – adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). These bases pair together to create base pairs that make up the backbone of DNA’s double helix shape. Each cell contains two strands of this molecule, one from each parent passed down through generations since life began on earth billions of years ago!
In recent years scientists have been able to use powerful tools such as sequencing technology to decipher more information about individual genomes than ever before, including what diseases someone may be predisposed to or if they carry certain traits like eye color or hair type from their ancestors long ago! This knowledge can help us better understand ourselves while also providing insight into how evolution works over time – something no known substance has been able to do so far!