Building a house requires understanding the fundamental building blocks like bricks, wood, and concrete. Similarly, in the intricate world of biology, life is built upon a foundation of essential molecules – DNA, RNA, and proteins. This chapter will delve into the structure, function, and significance of these molecules, providing a strong foundation for further bioinformatic exploration. 2.1. Decoding the Master Code: DNA Structure and Function * DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): The hereditary material that carries the genetic instructions for an organism. * We'll explore the basic structure of DNA, including its double helix form, composed of nucleotides with sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous bases (Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Thymine). * Learn about the concept of base pairing (A-T and C-G) that holds the two strands together and allows for information storage and replication. * We'll discuss the central dogma of molecular biology, which explains the flow of genetic informa