DNA

1. Genetics. deoxyribonucleic acid: an extremely long macromolecule that is the main component of chromosomes and is the material that transfers genetic characteristics in all life forms, constructed of two nucleotide strands coiled around each other in a ladderlike arrangement with the sidepieces composed of alternating phosphate and deoxyribose units and the rungs composed of the purine and pyrimidine bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine: the genetic information of DNA is encoded in the sequence of the bases and is transcribed as the strands unwind and replicate. Compare base pair, gene, genetic code, RNA.
2. the set of nongenetic traits, qualities, or features that characterize a person or thing:

   Humility is just not in her DNA.

DNA

noun

1. deoxyribonucleic acid; a nucleic acid that is the main constituent of the chromosomes of all organisms (except some viruses). The DNA molecule consists of two polynucleotide chains in the form of a double helix, containing phosphate and the sugar deoxyribose and linked by hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine. DNA is self-replicating, plays a central role in protein synthesis, and is responsible for the transmission of hereditary characteristics from parents to offspring See also genetic code

abbreviation for

1. did not attend

DNA

/ dē′ĕn-ā′ /

1. Short for deoxyribonucleic acid. The nucleic acid that is the genetic material determining the makeup of all living cells and many viruses. It consists of two long strands of nucleotides linked together in a structure resembling a ladder twisted into a spiral. In eukaryotic cells, the DNA is contained in the nucleus (where it is bound to proteins known as histones) and in mitochondria and chloroplasts. In the presence of the enzyme DNA polymerase and appropriate nucleotides, DNA can replicate itself. DNA also serves as a template for the synthesis of RNA in the presence of RNA polymerase.
2. Compare RNASee Note at histone

DNA

1. The molecule that carries genetic information in all living systems ( see genetic code ). The DNA molecule is formed in the shape of a double helix from a great number of smaller molecules ( see nucleotides ). The workings of the DNA molecule provide the most fundamental explanation of the laws of genetics . DNA acts in three important way. First, when a cell divides, the DNA uncoils, and each strand creates a new partner from the surrounding material — a process called replication. The two cells that result from the cell division have the same DNA as the original ( see mitosis ). Second, in sexual reproduction , each parent contributes one of the two strands in the DNA of the offspring. Third, inside the cell, the DNA governs the production of proteins and other molecules essential to cell function.

Word History and Origins

Origin of DNA¹

First recorded in 1930–35; d(eoxyribo)n(ucleic) a(cid)

Example Sentences

They plan to examine the kitten much more closely, including studying its DNA.

From NewsForKids.net

Rosalind Franklin, James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA -- that molecular blueprint for life -- over 70 years ago.

From Science Daily

In their closing arguments, prosecutors outlined how evidence showed that Ibarra's DNA was found under the nails of Ms Riley, indicating that a struggle had ensued between them.

From BBC

As technology has improved, computers have made it easier to process these sections of DNA, which has dramatically changed Y chromosome research.

From Science Daily

Researchers used cutting-edge DNA analysis to examine these shellfish in two key locations along Colombia's Pacific coast, providing the first detailed genetic profile of these important creatures.

From Science Daily