DNA. Computer artwork of part of a molecule of beta DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the genetic material found in all living cells. Beta DNA spirals clockwise when viewed from above. DNA encodes the inherited characteristics of living organisms and is responsible for all genetic traits. The molecule consists of two strands wound around each other in a double helix. The strands each have a sugar-phosphate backbone (outer ribbons) connected by paired nucleotide bases (red, green, blue, orange). In DNA these bases are cytosine, guanine, thymine and adenine. It is the sequence of these bases which determines the unique genetic code of an individual.