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.

Related Topics:
Nucleic acid - Genetic - Biological development - Life - Virus - Molecule - Heredity - Inherited - Trait - Reproduction - Replicated

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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.

Related Topics:
Bacteria - Prokaryotes - Cytoplasm - Nuclear envelope - Complex - Cell - Organism - Plant - Animal - Fungi - Protist - Cell nucleus - Energy - Organelle - Chloroplast - Mitochondria - Virus

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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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