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ASVAB · Biology and Life Science

What is the function of DNA in a cell?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Contains the genetic instructions for building and operating the organism — DNA is the blueprint for protein synthesis and is passed from parent to offspring during reproduction

  1. A Contains the genetic instructions for building and operating the organism — DNA is the blueprint for protein synthesis and is passed from parent to offspring during reproduction
  2. B Produces energy for the cell
  3. C Transports oxygen in the blood
  4. D Digests nutrients

Why this is the answer

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that contains the GENETIC INSTRUCTIONS for every living organism. Located primarily in the NUCLEUS of cells.

Structure: Double helix — two strands wound around each other; each strand made of nucleotides with four bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C).

Base pairing: A pairs with T; G pairs with C.

Function: Stores instructions for making proteins (via transcription → RNA → translation → protein); copied during cell division so each daughter cell receives a complete copy; mutations in DNA can cause cancer or heritable diseases.

Genome: Complete DNA sequence of an organism — human genome has ~3 billion base pairs.

Source: ASVAB GS, Biology — DNA Function

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About this topic: Biology and Life Science

Biology questions cover cells and their organelles, genetics and heredity, classification, photosynthesis and respiration, and ecosystems. These are recall questions — know the vocabulary and the function of each structure. This is one of 15 General Science questions on biology and life science, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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