DNA is stored within the nucleus of every cell in the human body. This intricate molecule is organized into chromosomes, with each human cell containing 46 chromosomes. Each chromosome carries thousands of genes, which are discrete chunks of DNA that hold the instructions for building proteins.
DNA stores biological information in a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). The sequence of these bases determines the genetic code, which instructs the cell to produce specific proteins.
Beyond the cell, DNA can also be stored in specialized databases like CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and NDIS (National DNA Index System). These databases store DNA profiles, also known as DNA types, which are used for forensic purposes.
Here are some key takeaways about DNA storage:
- Cellular level: DNA is stored within the nucleus of every cell, organized into chromosomes.
- Genetic code: DNA uses a code of four bases (A, T, C, G) to store information.
- Databases: DNA profiles can be stored in specialized databases for forensic investigations.
