DNA Full Form – What is the Full Form of DNA

Sudeshna chakrabartiUpdated On: July 12, 2023 05:52 pm IST

The full form of DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid, which is a unit of biological information storage. The term is divided as deoxyribose which constitutes a sugar compound and nucleic acid which helps to represent a group of phosphate and nitrogen-composed bases. DNA is found is every living organism and is responsible for transmitting genetic information from parents to children.It plays a crucial fundamental role in modern technology which consists of bioinformatics, genetic engineering, etc.

 

What is the Full Form of DNA?

As mentioned above it stands for deoxyribonucleic acid which is a complex molecular structure found in living organisms. DNA comprises mainly four nitrogen composed bases which are Cytosine, thymine, adenine and Guanine. These bases later combine with hydrogen bonds consisting of a backbone made of sugar-phosphate resulting in formation of DNA structure. The DNAs are responsible for the development, functioning and growth of living organisms. The molecule is made up of two nucleotides which are known as Polynucleotides. DNA also carries the genetic instructions which help in the development and reproduction of several living organisms and viruses. Some Interesting facts related to DNA

Below are some facts related to DNA which everyone should know

  • Around 98 – 99% of humans have the same DNA
  • The size of human DNA is 3 meters of total length
  • Total 5 nitrogen bases make DNA
  • Twins share a similar amount of DNA
  • Each individual consists of 2000-2500 genes

Different Types of DNA

Below mentioned are the types of DNA

1.       A-DNA

  • It is known as right-handed DNA
  • It is a type of dehydrated DNA which denotes the shape of A
  • It helps to protect DNA in situations like desiccation
  • It eliminates the solvent of DNA

2.       B- DNA

  • Known as right-handed helix
  • Type B DNA is present under physiological situations

3.       Z -DNA

  • Also known as left-handed DNA
  • Its shape is like a double helix in zig- zag
  • It was discovered by Andres Wang and Alexander Rich
  • Plays a crucial role in gene controlling

Where DNA is Found?

During the study of cell structure and organelles which are known as chromosomes in the nucleus, the carrying genetic information or DNA is identified. Thus, the chromosomes consisting of DNA play a crucial role during the process of cell division. DNA present in the nucleus of the cell is called nuclear DNA.

The most significant cell organelles mitochondria and which is known as the powerhouse of the cell. Therefore, they are responsible for supplying energy to cells. They generate energy from the food consumed.

What is the Structure of DNA?

The DNA is a combination of repeated monomers which are known as nucleotides. It can be further divided as deoxyribose which reflects the sugar compound and nucleic acid denotes base pair and phosphate bond. The bases are made up of nitrogen-composed nucleobases which later are connected with each other with the help of hydrogen bonds. It is composed of four nucleobases which are cytosine, thymine, adenine and guanine which are also labelled as C,T, A and G alphabetical letters. The bases are further connected with each other in a pattern for ex. adenine with thymine with the help of hydrogen bond and cytosine with guanine with the help of hydrogen bond.

What are the Functions of DNA?

Below are the important functions of DNA:

  • Used in identifying the person
  •  It is a genetic material that enables transferring of information from one cell to the daughter cells. which contains all information related to inherited in its structure which has nitrogen bases
  •  It has a key role in passing genetic information from one generation to the next
  • Each person has a different sequence of DNA
  • It is a structural unit of the Chromosome

What is the Importance of DNA in Genetics?

DNA is known as the key player in genetics which helps in exploring inheritance and other variations of traits in a living organism. As it helps in carrying genetic code that determines the characteristics such as hair texture, and eye colour. The nucleotide sequence in DNA works as a genetic code which provides instruction for the building blocks of life.

DNA replication is the process where cells can create copies to their DNA during the cell division process, which ensures that genetic information is passed accurately.  The changes in the DNA sequence is known as mutation which occurs during replication and plays an important role in evolution and variation in genetics.

What does Replication in DNA Means?

In the double helix pattern/ structure of DNA, a bonding is followed for the nucleobases. Later the covalent bonds pairs with Adenine and Thymine and with Guanine and Cytosine. During the process of cell division, strands of double helix replicate themselves into new strands which results in the formation of daughter cells in order to complete a set of identical DNA strands as genetic information.

What are the Applications of DNA?

Below mentioned are some important applications of DNA

1.Genetic Engineering:  It deals with regenerating and recombining study of DNA structure or to form a DNA new sequence which is known as recombinant DNA. It is used in the production of recombinant proteins and products used in agriculture.

2.Bioinformatics: It is a branch of science which deals with the study of phylogenetic relationships. It is also used in the process of machine learning, data mining, database theory, etc

3. Pharmaceutical: DNA is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to develop various products such as human insulin which was earlier made up by animal, human protein supplements, vaccines, etc .

How DNA is used to make drugs?

After the advancement in medicine, the DNA in the diagnosis process, during cancer therapy and even in the development of vaccines. Researchers working in the medical field have also developed techniques which can be used to make drugs based on DNA.

FAQs

What is the full form of DNA?

The DNA full form is Deoxyribonucleic acid.

 

How many forms are in DNA?

DNA has 4 types which include A, B and Z DNA

 

What is the length of DNA?

The size of human DNA is of 3 meters

 

Is DNA the same in human blood and other body parts?

Yes, the human body has the same amount of DNA in blood, skin cells, saliva and semen.

 

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