DESOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Desoxyribonucleic Acid, commonly known as DNA, is a complex and essential molecule that exists in nearly all organisms. It serves as the genetic blueprint or code that contains the hereditary information required for the development, growth, and functioning of living organisms.
DNA is a long, double-stranded, helical-shaped molecule made up of smaller units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a sugar molecule called deoxyribose, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The four nitrogenous bases present in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). The sequence of these bases along the DNA molecule forms the genetic information.
The structure of DNA consists of two strands that are twisted around each other in a spiral formation, forming a shape reminiscent of a twisted ladder, often referred to as the double helix. The nucleotides on each strand are connected through hydrogen bonds formed between complementary nitrogenous bases, with adenine always pairing with thymine, and cytosine always pairing with guanine.
One of the fundamental functions of DNA is its role in transmitting and storing genetic information from one generation to the next. It achieves this through the process of replication, where the DNA molecule unzips and each strand serves as a template for the creation of a new complementary strand. This ensures that each new cell formed carries an identical copy of the original DNA.
Additionally, DNA also serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins, which are crucial for the structure and function of cells. Through the process of transcription and translation, the genetic information stored in DNA is used to produce specific proteins necessary for various biological processes.
Overall, Desoxyribonucleic Acid is a remarkable molecule that plays a vital
Common Misspellings for DESOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID
- sesoxyribonucleic acid
- xesoxyribonucleic acid
- cesoxyribonucleic acid
- fesoxyribonucleic acid
- resoxyribonucleic acid
- eesoxyribonucleic acid
- dwsoxyribonucleic acid
- dssoxyribonucleic acid
- ddsoxyribonucleic acid
- drsoxyribonucleic acid
- d4soxyribonucleic acid
- d3soxyribonucleic acid
- deaoxyribonucleic acid
- dezoxyribonucleic acid
- dexoxyribonucleic acid
- desixyribonucleic acid
- deskxyribonucleic acid
- deslxyribonucleic acid
- despxyribonucleic acid
Etymology of DESOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID
The word "Desoxyribonucleic Acid" (DNA) has a complex etymology.
Firstly, "desoxyribose" derives from the combination of two terms: "deoxy-", which means "lacking oxygen", and "ribose", which is a sugar molecule. The term "ribose" comes from the Latin word "ribes", meaning "currant". "Deoxyribose" refers to a sugar molecule that lacks one oxygen atom compared to "ribose".
Secondly, "nucleic acid" comes from the combination of "nucleus" and "acid". "Nucleus" originates from the Latin word "nucula", meaning "kernel" or "core". It refers to the central part of a cell where genetic information is stored. "Acid" comes from the Latin word "acidus", meaning "sour" or "sharp".
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