The scientific name for DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid. It's often abbreviated as DNA. DNA is the molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of an organism.
DNA is a double helix, which means it has two strands that are twisted together. Each strand is made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone and four different nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). The bases on one strand pair with the bases on the other strand: A always pairs with T, and G always pairs with C. This pairing is called complementary base pairing.
DNA is found in the nucleus of every cell in the human body. It's organized into chromosomes, which are long, thin strands of DNA. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
DNA is essential for life. It contains the instructions for building and maintaining all the cells in our body. DNA is also responsible for passing on genetic traits from parents to their children.
