DNA

:For other uses, see DNA (disambiguation).

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Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions specifying the biological development of all cellular forms of life (and many viruses). DNA is often referred to as the molecule of heredity, as it is responsible for the genetic propagation of most inherited traits. During reproduction, DNA is replicated and transmitted to the offspring.

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In bacteria (prokaryotes), DNA is not separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear envelope. By contrast, in the complex cells that make up other organisms (plants, animals, fungi and protists), most of the DNA is located in the cell nucleus. The energy-generating organelles known as chloroplasts and mitochondria also carry DNA, as do many viruses.

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Basically what the description above says is that DNA is a basic building block of life and that it contains all the information that living things need to function correctly. For example, in humans this can range from your hair colour to the ability to roll your tongue and to any herditary diseases.

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Your DNA is composed of genes inherited from both your mother and father. DNA from both of your parents was combined to form the genome of a fertilized egg (that's you), then that egg divided many times, copying the DNA before every division, until all the cells of your body were formed. As a result, each cell in your body contains copies of the DNA from your parents (except red blood cells, which lose their chromosomal DNA but cannot divide).

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Nucleic acid: A nucleic acid is a complex, high-molecular-weight biochemical macromolecule composed of nucleotide chains that convey genetic information. The most common nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Nucleic acids are found in all living cells and viruses....

Genetic: Genetic may refer to:...

Biological development: REDIRECT developmental biology...

DNA related Images and Photos (experimental)

DNA	DNA & RNA	DNA Portrait	DNA Dog Toy
Dna Surface Molecular Model	Dna Molecular Model in Front of a Multicolored Dna Gel Profile	Bacterial Dna Spilling from E. Coli	Dna Fingerprinting or Blood Testing
Ben 10 Ultimate Alien DNA Alien Heroes Wave 2 Set	Ben 10 Ultimate Alien DNA Alien Heroes Wave 1 Set	Ben 10 Alien Force DNA Alien Heroes Figures Wave 1 Case	Representation of Segment of DNA Molecule Whose Order Spells Out Exact Set of Genetic Instructions