The term for the genetic code carried by DNA is genetic information or genetic code. This information is encoded in the sequence of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) within the DNA molecule. The arrangement of these nucleotides determines the instructions for the synthesis of proteins, which are crucial for the structure and function of cells. The genetic code is universal, allowing DNA from one species to be read and understood by another, which is fundamental to biotechnology and genetic engineering. Mutations or changes in this code can lead to variations and potentially impact phenotypes.