DNA - Deoxyribonucleic Acid - the material that codes for amino acids which form proteins, which in turn carry out functions of the cell. DNA is responsible for building life. Our physical characteristics, susceptibility to some diseases and disorders (e.g. breast cancer, sickle cell anemia), and a few behavior characteristics are passed from generation to generation through DNA. DNA controls everything about the way we look, from the color of the eyes to how tall you are to the width of your feet. Every person carries billions of copies of those DNA instructions. DNA is a molecule made up of smaller units. The basic unit of construction