DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, carries the genetic instructions for all living organisms.

It is made up of nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. There are four nitrogenous bases in DNA: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

The structure of DNA is a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder. The sugar-phosphate backbone forms the sides of the ladder, while the nitrogenous bases form the rungs. Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine, creating complementary base pairs.

This specific base pairing is crucial for DNA replication and the transmission of genetic information. The double helix structure allows DNA to unwind and replicate during cell division.

Understanding the basics of DNA structure is fundamental in the field of genetics and molecular biology. It allows scientists to study and manipulate genes, leading to advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and other scientific fields.