The Definition of DNA - 916 Words

DNA: DNA is a double-stranded nucleic acid that contains the genetic information for cell growth, division, and function. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria .The information in DNA is stored as a code made up of four nitrogen bases which are adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). these nitrogen bases are bind with each other through hydrogen bond. [1] History of DNA research dna structure dna replication Before a cell can divide, it must duplicate all its DNA. In eukaryotes, this occurs during S phase of the cell cycle. The Biochemical Reactions * DNA†¦show more content†¦Identification * DNA is often referred to as a double helix because of its appearance. DNA is made of two long strands called nucleotides that run in opposite directions from one another. Nucleotides are made of sugars and phosphate groups that are joined together by ester bonds. Attached to each of the sugars is a molecule called a base. Four different types of bases encode the information that is used for cell replication. Evolution * As organisms evolve, DNA sequences change to produce new qualities and weed out qualities that are no longer needed. Sometimes this happens because of a process of natural selection. Qualities that help people survive certain diseases and conditions continue to be passed on to offspring; less desirable qualities are slowly removed from the population. These DNA evolutions help species to survive and reproduce despite changing conditions.[8] Disease Diagnosis and Treatment One important area of DNA research is that of genetics and medical research. Due to our discovery of DNA, our ability to actually diagnose diseases early on has been vastly improved. In addition, we have been able to better assess a persons genetic susceptibility to specific diseases. In doing so, we have also paved the pathway to formulate brand new drugs to treat these diseases. In fact, drugs can essentially be custom made to complement a persons personal biochemistry and genetic makeup. For those diseases that were previously consideredShow MoreRelatedThe Definition of DNA904 Words   |  4 PagesDNA: DNA is a double-stranded nucleic acid that contains the genetic information for cell growth, division, and function. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria .The information in DNA is stored as a code made up of four nitrogen bases which are adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). these nitrogen bases are bind withRead MoreTaking a Look at DNA Supercoiling684 Words   |  3 PagesDNA supercoiling is the over-winding or under-winding of a DNA strand. In general, most organisms’ DNA is negatively supercoiled. There are two types of supercoiling: positive and negative. Positive supercoiling means that the DNA strands are twisted in the right direction; whereas negative supercoiling means that the DNA strands are twisted in the left direction. The laws of Physics govern everything that happens in the w orld, including DNA coiling in living beings. Some of the concepts in PhysicsRead MoreWhat Is A Gene?1446 Words   |  6 PagesWhat is a gene? The word Gene derives from the Greek â€Å"genesis† (birth) or â€Å"genos† (origin) and was first coined by Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909. At that time, little or nothing was known about the existence of DNA, and the word gene was used to describe the Mendelian concept of a phenotypical trait that is transmitted through inheritance (Johansen, 1909). The gene as the fundamental unit of heredity is the original meaning of the word as first geneticists intended it. This essentially explains theRead MoreHuman Body Systems Career Journal974 Words   |  4 PagesJournal 2015-2016 Entry #1 Activity: 1.2.3 Bone Detectives Description: Forensic Anthropologists helps to study the skeletal systems of people to determine the sex, ethnicity, and distinct characteristics of the dead skeleton they are studying. Definition for Forensic Anthropologist: As a Forensic Anthropologist you will be working with and investigating disease people. 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Two linear molecules entwine to form the double helix. Now that the definition has been stated, let’s now define what DNA means to a crime scene or case investigator. In the law enforcement business DNA has been introduce as a revolutionary and efficient accurate tool to solve and crack modern andRead MoreDna Testing And The Second Amendment1276 Words   |  6 PagesDNA AS EVIDENCE DNA testing was first used in criminal prosecutions in 1985 and is now admissible in all states. (Hails, 184) Scientific and legal communities seem to universally accept the use of DNA as â€Å"good† evidence. Questions could arise regarding testing procedures. There are several testing methods that have been proven reliable and easily pass general acceptance and scientific validity tests. This is causes number of Daubert cases questioning DNA to decline. â€Å"In most cases, the tests thatRead MoreThe Deep Oceanic Trenches Near Thermal Vents1049 Words   |  5 Pagesoperational definitions as test parameters. 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