Genetic research. Conceptual computer artwork of proteomics, showing part of a DNA molecule (down right) & protein gel spots (down left). Proteomics is the study of the structure & function of all of the proteins in an organism. The spots represent proteins separated in a gel by the application of a pH gradient and electric field. DNA (deoxyribo- nucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic code, which controls and transmits an organism's hereditary traits. It is made up of two strands of sugar-phosphate groups that are twisted to form a double helix, which are cross-linked by complimentary pairs of nucleotide bases (horizontal links).