Definition

1. Noun:
   • A long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell: "Desoxyribonucleic acid" is a complex molecule, a polymer, that is located within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
   • Formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix: It is composed of nucleotide building blocks and has a distinctive structure of two intertwined strands, known as a double helix.
   • Associated with the transmission of genetic information: Its primary biological function is to store and transmit the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Scientists extracted the desoxyribonucleic acid from the ancient specimen for analysis.
  • The sequence of nucleotides in desoxyribonucleic acid determines an organism's hereditary traits.
  • Mutations are changes in the structure of desoxyribonucleic acid.

Advanced Usage

• "To sequence desoxyribonucleic acid": to determine the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.

  • The project aims to sequence the desoxyribonucleic acid of the entire population.

• "Desoxyribonucleic acid evidence": refers to genetic material used in forensic science.

  • Desoxyribonucleic acid evidence was crucial in solving the case.

Variants and Related Words

• DNA (n): The common abbreviation for "desoxyribonucleic acid".

  • DNA testing is now widely available.

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (n): A more common modern spelling variant of "desoxyribonucleic acid".

  • Deoxyribonucleic acid carries genetic information.

• Genome (n): The complete set of desoxyribonucleic acid in an organism.

  • The human genome has been mapped.

Synonyms

• Genetic material: The general term for substances that carry genetic information.
• Double helix: A term describing the structure of desoxyribonucleic acid.

Related Phrases

• DNA replication: The process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.

  • DNA replication is essential for cell division.

• DNA fingerprinting: A technique for identifying individuals based on their unique desoxyribonucleic acid patterns.

  • DNA fingerprinting is used in paternity tests.

Related Idioms

• "To be in one's DNA": to be an intrinsic, fundamental part of a person's character or nature.
  • Honesty is in her DNA; she could never lie.

Noun

1. (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
   • DNA is the king of molecules