What is the role of DNA in organisms?

DNA serves as hereditary material in organisms, playing a crucial role in the storage and transmission of genetic information. This genetic information is encoded in the sequences of nucleotides that make up the DNA molecule. During reproduction, DNA is copied and passed from parents to offspring, ensuring that traits are inherited. The information stored in DNA guides the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms by providing the instructions needed for the synthesis of proteins, which in turn carry out various functions essential for life.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of DNA. While energy for cellular processes is provided by molecules like ATP, and carbohydrates are produced through metabolic processes involving enzymes and other factors, these functions are not related to the role of DNA. Additionally, vitamins are organic compounds necessary for various bodily functions, but they are not produced or encoded by DNA itself. Thus, the role of DNA distinctly centers on its function as the hereditary material of organisms.