The full form of DNA is Deoxyribonucleic Acid. DNA is the hereditary material found in humans and almost all other organisms. It contains the instructions needed for an organism to develop, function, grow, and reproduce.
DNA is a long, complex molecule composed of two strands of nucleotides twisted together to form a double helix. Each nucleotide contains a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). The sequence of these bases along the DNA molecule determines the genetic code.
DNA is crucial for life and plays a vital role in many biological processes, including:
- Heredity: DNA carries genetic information from parents to offspring.
- Protein synthesis: DNA provides the instructions for making proteins, which are essential for various bodily functions.
- Cell division: DNA replicates itself during cell division, ensuring that each new cell receives a complete copy of the genetic information.
