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Dictionary » D » DNA

DNA

Definition

noun

A double-stranded nucleic acid that contains the genetic information for cell growth, division, and function.


Supplement

Structure: DNA is composed of two strands that twist together to form a helix. Each strand consists of alternating phosphate (PO4) and pentose sugar (2-deoxyribose), and attached on the sugar is a nitrogenous base, which can be adenine, thymine, guanine, or cytosine. In DNA, these bases pair; adenine pairs with thymine and guanine with cytosine. Hence, DNA is a ladder-like helical structure.

Location: DNA is found in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells, and chiefly in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. A small fraction of total DNA is present in mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Function: DNA is a long polymer of nucleotides to code for the sequence of amino acid during protein synthesis. DNA is said to carry the genetic ‘blueprint’ since it contains the instructions or information (called genes) needed to construct cellular components like proteins and RNA molecules.


Word origin: abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid.
See also: gene, base pair, genetic code, RNA.


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Re:

I thought all cells contained DNA. Otherwise how could they replicate? Or do white blood cells turn to red when they age? Immature red blood cells each contain a nucleus, containing DNA. However, upon maturation they then lose their nuclei ...

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by IceIcebaby
Thu May 17, 2012 1:05 pm
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: DNA analysis
Replies: 21
Views: 7491

ligation problem although try everything,suggestions?

... I used Quick ligase at room temperature(25 degrees) tried 5 minutes as the protocol said (NEB)alternatively try 25 minutes and also tried T4 DNA ligase at room temperature (NEB). I make 1:1, 1:3, 1:5 and 1:10 ligations. I make alkaline phosphatase and then try ligation again. I used 50 ng ...

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by genetherapy
Wed May 16, 2012 3:31 pm
 
Forum: Molecular Biology
Topic: ligation problem although try everything,suggestions?
Replies: 3
Views: 55

Re: Molecular gene (genome) concept scientifically untenable

... argue is that it contains nonmolecular biological program that is stored on the chromosomes. It is not encoded by any chemical structure including DNA. It is like the storage of computer software on hard disk. The chemical structure of the hard disk does not encode the information stored on it. ...

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by PAWahid
Sat May 12, 2012 2:29 am
 
Forum: Molecular Biology
Topic: Molecular gene (genome) concept scientifically untenable
Replies: 12
Views: 492

Re: Molecular gene (genome) concept scientifically untenable

... potentially be interpreted either way. However, the argument that followed the claim assumed that such changes cannot occur – you said that if DNA has the property of “life,” then a dead cell with an intact genome could not exist. Of course, “life” is not a property of DNA but the entire system, ...

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by AstraSequi
Fri May 11, 2012 9:31 am
 
Forum: Molecular Biology
Topic: Molecular gene (genome) concept scientifically untenable
Replies: 12
Views: 492

In search of genomes

For a high school biology project we’re ''investigating'' the DNA of the Drosophila melanogaster. Our assignment is to make a lab for fellow students to find/show the genetic difference between two types of Drosophila. One mutant with white eyes and one ...

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by Ejager
Thu May 10, 2012 12:43 pm
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: In search of genomes
Replies: 1
Views: 125
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