What is DNA?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of DNA, which is a fundamental concept in biology. It seeks to understand what DNA is, its structure, and its role in living organisms.
Answer
DNA is the hereditary material carrying genetic instructions for development and functioning, composed of two strands forming a double helix.
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in organisms and carries the genetic instructions for development and functioning. It is composed of two strands forming a double helix and contains sequences of nucleotides that code for proteins.
Answer for screen readers
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in organisms and carries the genetic instructions for development and functioning. It is composed of two strands forming a double helix and contains sequences of nucleotides that code for proteins.
More Information
DNA is structured as a double helix, consisting of nucleotide pairs like adenine-thymine (A-T) and guanine-cytosine (G-C) held together by hydrogen bonds.
Tips
Common mistakes include confusing DNA with RNA, which involves the same basic structure but with different functions and components. DNA is double-stranded, and RNA typically is single-stranded.
Sources
- What is DNA?: MedlinePlus Genetics - medlineplus.gov
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) - genome.gov
- The Structure and Function of DNA - Molecular Biology of the Cell - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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