Here's why:
* DNA as a blueprint: DNA acts like a blueprint or instruction manual for building and maintaining an organism. It contains the genetic code, a sequence of nucleotides that determine the order of amino acids in proteins.
* Proteins as building blocks: Proteins are essential for virtually every function in a cell. They act as enzymes, structural components, hormones, antibodies, and much more.
* The Central Dogma: The process of using DNA to make proteins is called the central dogma of molecular biology. It involves two key steps:
* Transcription: DNA is copied into RNA (ribonucleic acid).
* Translation: RNA is used as a template to assemble amino acids into proteins.
So, DNA is the information source, and proteins are the workhorses of the cell.
