DNA is the genetic material found in cells that contains the instructions needed to develop and function. It is made up of nucleotides containing phosphate, sugar, and one of four nitrogenous bases. Watson and Crick discovered that DNA exists as a double helix with the bases on each strand specifically pairing with each other through hydrogen bonds between adenine and thymine and cytosine and guanine. This complementary base pairing allows DNA to replicate semi-conservatively and precisely pass on genetic information to new cells. Genes within DNA code for specific traits by way of triplets of bases called codons corresponding to amino acids that make up proteins. Transcription and translation allow DNA's genetic code to be read and direct the cell to produce necessary