Explain DNA.
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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): The Blueprint of Life
DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is a molecule that serves as the fundamental blueprint for all living organisms. It contains the genetic instructions necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of every living cell. Structurally, DNA is composed of two long chains twisted into a double helix, with each chain made up of nucleotides.
Each nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). The unique sequence of these bases along the DNA strands encodes genetic information.
DNA replication occurs during cell division, ensuring the faithful transmission of genetic material to daughter cells. The genetic code is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which, in turn, guides the synthesis of proteins during protein translation.
Understanding DNA has revolutionized fields such as genetics and molecular biology, offering insights into heredity, evolution, and the molecular mechanisms underlying life processes. The ability to manipulate and sequence DNA has paved the way for advancements in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, marking DNA as the cornerstone of biological information and diversity.