Neblux Knowledge Graph

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleotide polymer that stores and transmits hereditary information in cellular organisms and many viruses. Each nucleotide contains a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Overview

During replication of double-stranded DNA, each parental strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand. Transcription uses one DNA strand as the template for a particular RNA transcript; different genes can use different strands. Gene expression is regulated by cellular mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications, and can respond to environmental conditions. Complementary base pairing is used in DNA amplification and sequence-directed gene-editing techniques.

Why it matters

Elucidating the molecular properties of DNA provided an empirical foundation for modern genomics, forensic identification, and synthetic biology. It transformed clinical diagnostic methods and raised ongoing legal and ethical concerns regarding the privacy and stewardship of genetic records.

What it builds on

• Genetics

Where it leads

• Protein Structure
• Gene Regulation
• Rosalind Franklin
• Discovery of DNA Structure
• Genomics
• Gene Expression
• Genetic Engineering

Related concepts

• ChemistrylogicalDNA's function depends entirely on its chemical properties: hydrogen bonding between base pairs, phosphodiester backbone stability, and enzymatic recognition of molecular shapes
• TechnologyappliedBioinformatics applies computational algorithms to sequence, align, and analyze DNA data, while CRISPR gene editing technology directly manipulates DNA sequences
• MedicineappliedGene therapy corrects disease-causing DNA mutations, pharmacogenomics tailors drug treatments to individual genomes, and DNA diagnostics identifies inherited disorders
• Human Genome ProjectappliedDNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is applied through practical methods that strengthen real-world work in Human Genome Project.
• Forensic ScienceappliedDNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is applied through practical methods that strengthen real-world work in Forensic Science.

Appears in Wonders

• The Gene