Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Definition

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that carries genetic information essential for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. It consists of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DNA is composed of four nucleotide bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
2. The structure of DNA was first described by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953.
3. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine through hydrogen bonds.
4. DNA replication is a semi-conservative process where each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.
5. Mutations in DNA sequences can lead to changes in protein function, which may result in genetic disorders or diseases.

Review Questions

• What are the four nucleotide bases found in DNA?
• Who were the scientists credited with discovering the structure of DNA?
• Describe how base pairing works in the DNA double helix.

Related terms

RNA:

Ribonucleic acid; a nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis.

Nucleotide: The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Double Helix: The spiral shape formed by two strands of DNA coiled around each other.