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The role of DNA from "summary" of The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins
DNA is like a recipe book for life. It contains all the instructions needed to build and maintain an organism. Every living thing on Earth - from bacteria to whales, from daisies to giant redwood trees - carries a set of instructions in its DNA. These instructions are written in a code made up of four chemical letters: A, T, C, and G. The order of these letters determines everything about an organism, from the color of its eyes to the shape of its leaves. DNA is the molecule that makes us who we are. DNA is not just a static set of instructions, though. It is constantly being read and copied by the cell in a process called transcription. This transcription allows the cell to make the proteins needed for growth, repair, and reproduction. Proteins are the workhorses of the cell, performing a wide variety of functions. They are responsible for everything from digesting food to carrying oxygen in the blood. One of the most important functions of DNA is to pass on genetic information from one generation to the next. When an organism reproduces, it passes on a copy of its DNA to its offspring. This ensures that the offspring will have the same traits as its parent. However, DNA is not always passed on perfectly. Mutations can occur, leading to changes in the genetic code. These mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral, depending on the circumstances. DNA is a marvel of nature, a molecule that contains the instructions for building and maintaining life. It is a testament to the power of evolution, which has shaped the diversity of life on Earth over billions of years. Without DNA, life as we know it would not exist. It is truly a magical molecule, a key to understanding the wonders of the natural world.
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