What Does Dna Stand For

What does DNA stand for? What has the discovery of the nature of this molecule meant to science, medicine and the way we view ourselves? Found in almost every cell of the body, DNA is the genetic material that dictates much of who we are. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid.

Discovery What DNA is used for was unclear until the middle of the twentieth century. Two teams of scientists, Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins and Jim Watson and Francis Crick, ultimately contributed to the understanding of the role of deoxyribonucleic acid by discovering the double helix structure. Watson and Crick were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1962 for their work.

Role of DNA These molecules store our genetic information. Each cell contains a DNA molecule which holds the pattern of our genetic make-up. As cells divide, each new cell contains the same unique pattern as deoxyribonucleic acid is capable of replicating itself. In this way this one molecule contains the necessary information for a human being, or any other organism, to develop and reproduce.

Base Pairs The code or pattern of DNA is found in the combination of four chemical bases. The way these chemicals are sequenced essentially represents what the DNA molecule stands for in each individual. The four chemicals are adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine.

Structure What does DNA look like? This molecule has a double helix structure. It looks somewhat like a spiral staircase with the base pairs forming the steps and the sugar phosphate backbone forming the railings.

Importance Understanding what DNA is has become one of the most important discoveries of the twentieth century. It has led to controversial developments such as genetically modified food and genetic testing. It has also inspired great potential in the quest to develop drugs that can cure cancer. As scientists discover more about deoxyribonucleic acid, there will be more capability for man to manipulate our world, for better or worse.