What is the primary function of DNA within a cell?

The primary function of DNA within a cell is the transmission of genetic information. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, serves as the hereditary material in nearly all living organisms, encoding the instructions needed for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of cells. The sequences of nucleotides in DNA represent specific genes that provide the blueprints for producing proteins, which in turn perform various roles in the organism's body. Through processes such as replication and transcription, DNA ensures that genetic information is accurately passed on to new cells during cell division and is utilized for the synthesis of proteins that carry out essential functions within the cell. This makes it crucial for the continuity of life and the inheritance of traits from one generation to the next.