DNA Full Form
by Yogi P - August 20, 2023
What is the full form of DNA?
DNA Full Form is Deoxyribonucleic Acid.
What does DNA stands for?
DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. DNA comprises a set of molecules responsible for transmitting and carrying genetic instructions or hereditary material from parents to offspring. This organic compound possesses a unique molecular structure and is present in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
The Swiss biologist Johannes Friedrich Miescher first identified and named DNA in 1869 while studying white blood cells. Later, James Watson and Francis Crick elucidated the double helix structure of DNA through experimental evidence, revealing its pivotal role in processing human genetic information.
The structure of DNA resembles a twisted ladder, often described as a double helix. This configuration, as depicted in the above illustration, is composed of nucleotides, the fundamental building blocks of DNA. Each nucleotide contains a carbon-sugar group, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sugar and phosphate groups link the nucleotides to form DNA strands.
There are four types of nitrogenous bases:
- Adenine (A),
- Thymine (T),
- Guanine (G), and
- Cytosine (C).
Types of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Different forms of DNA include:
- A-DNA: A-DNA assumes a right-handed conformation and becomes an A-form when dehydrated. This form safeguards DNA under dynamic conditions such as protein binding and desiccation.
- B-DNA: B-DNA, the most prevalent DNA conformation, takes the shape of a right-handed helix. Under standard physiological circumstances, the majority of DNA adopts the B-conformation.
- Z-DNA: Z-DNA, a left-handed DNA, exhibits a zig-zag pattern in its leftward winding double helix. Discovered by Alexander Rich and Andres Wang, Z-DNA is typically located upstream of a gene’s starting site, suggesting its potential role in gene regulation.
Functions of DNA
- DNA serves as the genetic material that encapsulates all inherited information encoded within its nitrogenous base structure.
- Genetic information is transmitted from one cell to its offspring and across generations through DNA.
- Each individual possesses a distinct DNA sequence, contributing to the uniqueness of each person. This property forms the basis of DNA fingerprinting, a technique used to identify individuals based on their DNA profiles.
Authenticated resource of this informations: Official website of Department of Biotechnology Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India at https://dbtindia.gov.in/regulations- guidelines/regulations/ dna-profiling-bill
