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An interesting thing about DNA is that the genes aren't activated randomly. Very often, we carry a potential for something (psychological disorders, physical diseases, etc.) which are activated according to different situations. So I might have a genetic predisposition toward heart disease but never experience it because of diet, exercise, and possibly just luck.

This doesn't refute the idea that DNA might be the simple instructions that guide us, but it is an interesting point to keep in mind. Like all instructions, DNA needs "input" to function.

I think the reason people (such as myself) are resistant to the idea that humans operate under simple rules like CA is because of consciousness. We are aware and can come up with new ideas and change our psychical surroundings and social situations. Someone brought this up in class (I'm sorry, but I can't remember who) with the example of revolutions. People are able to look outside their immediate situation and see how the world might be if something was changed and plan for the execution of that change. That is not possible with CA since it operates in an absolutely deterministic world.