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DNA is the genetic material in living organisms, organized as a double helix with specific base-pairing rules (A–T and C–G).
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic code molecule found in living organisms. It is present in most cells (such as skin, muscle, and nerve cells) and is inherited from parents. DNA is made of two polynucleotide strands arranged as a double helix, where each “rung” consists of paired nitrogen bases. The base-pairing rules are A with T and C with G, held together by hydrogen bonds, allowing DNA to store information in the order of these bases. DNA instructions are used to make proteins, often through enzymes. Genes are DNA sections that contain instructions for producing polypeptides. Because DNA stays in the nucleus, cells copy (transcribe) DNA into RNA—especially messenger RNA (mRNA)—which can leave the nucleus and be read by ribosomes. Ribosomes translate mRNA codons (triplets of bases) into amino acids, with transfer RNA (tRNA) helping match amino acids to codons. DNA replication copies the double helix by separating strands and using base pairing to build new complementary strands; errors during copying can cause mutations, which may be harmful, neutral, or beneficial and can drive evolution. Cells also repair DNA damage using different enzyme-based pathways, depending on the type of damage (such as mismatched bases, chemical damage, UV damage, or double-strand breaks). The overall understanding of DNA’s role in heredity and its structure was built through key experiments and discoveries, including the identification of DNA as genetic material and the development of the double-helix model.
DNA is the genetic material in living organisms, organized as a double helix with specific base-pairing rules (A–T and C–G).
Genes in DNA are transcribed into RNA (like mRNA), and ribosomes translate codons into proteins; DNA replication copies the genetic code for cell division.
Mutations can arise from replication errors or DNA damage, and cells use multiple repair mechanisms to fix different types of DNA damage.
The molecule that stores the genetic code used by cells to make proteins in living organisms.
The twisted ladder-like structure of DNA made from two complementary polynucleotide strands.
A DNA building block made of a sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.
The hydrogen-bonded pairing rule in DNA where adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.
A DNA sequence that contains instructions for making at least one polypeptide.
The process where DNA is copied into RNA (such as mRNA) so the code can be used for protein synthesis.
A triplet of bases in mRNA that specifies which amino acid should be added during protein synthesis.
The copying of DNA before cell division by separating strands and building complementary new strands.
A change in DNA sequence that can result from replication errors or DNA damage.
Enzyme-driven processes that correct DNA damage to maintain genome integrity.
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