What is DNA?

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a very important molecule found in all living cells. It contains information used in everyday metabolism and growth and influences most human characteristics, including the color of our skin, the color of our eyes, and whether we have curly or straight hair. DNA is often called the blueprint of an organism because it enables various cells to develop and work together to form a fully functional body. When an egg and sperm met to form the first cell that was to become a life, you were given the complete genetic code that all of your cells will use for the rest of your life. The information that DNA contains is passed from one generation to the next. Using gene technology, DNA can be modified or transferred from one animal, plant, or human to another. Genes are made up of short lengths of DNA and modern gene technology is able to make changes at the level of individual genes.