DNA molecule. Computer artwork of a strand of beta DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) on a grid effect background. Atoms are depicted as balls and sticks and are colour-coded: carbon (white), oxygen (red), hydrogen (pale blue), nitrogen (dark blue) and phosphorous (orange). Beta DNA is the more common form, and spirals clockwise when seen from above. DNA contains all the inherited instructions necessary to produce an organism. The DNA molecule stores information as the sequence of the bases (horizontal groups) which link the two spiral strands. This sequence makes up the genetic code in the form of genes, specific segments of DNA.