DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Definition

DNA is a molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions used in the development, functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.

Analogy

Think of DNA as a cookbook in the kitchen of life. It contains all the recipes (genes) needed to make every part of you. Just like how a chef uses different recipes to create different dishes, your body uses different genes to build different parts of you.

Related terms

Genes: These are specific sequences of bases in DNA that provide instructions on how to build and maintain an organism's cells.

Chromosomes: These are long strands of DNA wound around proteins. They carry genes and function in the transmission of hereditary information.

Nucleotides: These are the building blocks of DNA. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine or thymine).