What is the primary function of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in cells?

The primary function of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is to serve as the genetic blueprint for all living organisms. This is encapsulated in the correct choice, which describes DNA as a double-stranded, helical structure that contains the instructions for the synthesis of proteins. These instructions are made up of sequences of nucleotides that dictate how amino acids are arranged to form proteins, which are essential for countless cellular functions. By encoding genetic information, DNA plays a crucial role in heredity, cell growth, and the maintenance of biological systems.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the core role of DNA. The description of a single-stranded molecule involved in energy production refers more closely to ribonucleic acid (RNA), which is involved in translating the genetic information encoded in DNA into proteins, rather than the structural function of DNA itself. Proteins that facilitate cellular responses would pertain to signaling mechanisms and receptor functions but do not describe the foundational role of DNA. Lastly, while cell membrane formation is critical for cell structure and integrity, it primarily involves lipids and proteins rather than DNA. Thus, the role of DNA is specifically related to its function as the carrier of genetic information necessary for protein synthesis and inheritance.