The full form of DNA is Deoxyribonucleic Acid.
What is Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)?
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the fundamental molecule carrying the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses. [1, 2, 6] Nearly every cell in a human body contains the same DNA. [2] This molecule exists in various forms, including the most common B-DNA, a double helix structure. [7, 8] However, DNA can also exist in other forms like extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), which doesn't reside on chromosomes. [3]
DNA's role is critical:
- Hereditary Material: It transmits genetic information from parents to offspring, determining inherited traits. [2, 6]
- Cellular Function: It directs the synthesis of proteins, essential for all cellular processes. [1]
- Development and Growth: It guides the development and growth of organisms according to their genetic blueprint. [6]
- Forensic Science: DNA analysis is used in forensic science for identification purposes. [4]
Understanding DNA is crucial in various fields, including medicine, genetics, and biotechnology. Its study helps in diagnosing genetic diseases, developing new treatments, and understanding evolutionary relationships. DNA testing is also employed in establishing family relationships. [9, 10]
[1] https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Deoxyribonucleic-Acid
[2] https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/basics/dna/
[3] https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2023/extrachromosomal-dna-barretts-esophageal-cancer
[4] https://le.fbi.gov/science-and-lab/biometrics-and-fingerprints/federal-dna-database-unit
[5] https://byjus.com/full-form/dna-full-form/
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6545/
[8] https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Genetics/Working_with_Molecular_Genetics_(Hardison)/Unit_I%3A_Genes_Nucleic_Acids_Genomes_and_Chromosomes/2%3A_Structures_of_Nucleic_Acids/2.5%3A_B-Form_A-Form_and_Z-Form_of_DNA
[9] https://www.britannica.com/story/what-is-the-difference-between-dna-and-rna
[10] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration/dna-relationship-testing-procedures.html
