deoxyribonucleic acid

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Word: Deoxyribonucleic Acid (often abbreviated as DNA)

Part of Speech: Noun

Simple Explanation:

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a special molecule found in the cells of living things. It looks like a twisted ladder (this shape is called a double helix). DNA carries the instructions that tell our bodies how to grow, develop, and function. It's like a recipe book for making all the parts of a living organism.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "DNA" when talking about genetics, biology, or when discussing how traits are passed from parents to children.
• You can refer to DNA in discussions about health, medicine, and even criminal investigations (like in forensic science).

Example:

• "Scientists study DNA to understand how diseases are inherited."
• "The DNA in your cells contains the instructions for everything that makes you who you are."

Advanced Usage:

In scientific contexts, you may come across phrases like "DNA sequencing" (the process of determining the exact order of the nucleotides in a strand of DNA) or "DNA replication" (the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself).

Word Variants:

• Deoxyribonucleotide: A building block of DNA.
• Deoxyribonucleic: The adjective form, used to describe something related to DNA, e.g., "deoxyribonucleic structure."

Different Meanings:

While "DNA" primarily refers to the genetic material, in a more metaphorical sense, people sometimes use "DNA" to refer to the essential characteristics of something. For example, "The DNA of our company is built on innovation."

Synonyms:

• Genetic material
• Hereditary material

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "deoxyribonucleic acid," but here are some phrases that can be used in the context: - "Run in the family": This phrase means that a trait or characteristic is common among family members, often explained by their DNA. - "In one's DNA": This expression means that something is an inherent part of someone's nature, e.g., "Creativity is in her DNA."

Summary:

In summary, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is essential for all living organisms because it contains the genetic instructions necessary for life.

Academic

Noun

1. (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
   • DNA is the king of molecules

Synonyms

• desoxyribonucleic acid
• DNA