DNA: meaning, definitions and examples

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DNA

[ ˌdiːɛnˈeɪ ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

genetics

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material which is present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.

Synonyms

deoxyribonucleic acid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
DNA	Commonly used in both everyday language and informal settings when referring to genetic material. It is suitable for both scientific and general discussions. She studied the DNA to find out more about her ancestry. Scientists extracted DNA from the ancient bones.
deoxyribonucleic acid	Primarily used in formal, scientific, or academic contexts. This term is preferred in technical documents, research papers, and educational materials. The structure of deoxyribonucleic acid was first determined in 1953. This study focuses on the function and behavior of deoxyribonucleic acid in various organisms.

Word

Description / Examples

DNA

Commonly used in both everyday language and informal settings when referring to genetic material. It is suitable for both scientific and general discussions.

She studied the DNA to find out more about her ancestry.
Scientists extracted DNA from the ancient bones.

deoxyribonucleic acid

Primarily used in formal, scientific, or academic contexts. This term is preferred in technical documents, research papers, and educational materials.

The structure of deoxyribonucleic acid was first determined in 1953.
This study focuses on the function and behavior of deoxyribonucleic acid in various organisms.

Examples of usage

DNA contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms.
The structure of DNA was first described by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953.

Translations

Translations of the word "DNA" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ADN

🇮🇳 डीएनए

🇩🇪 DNS

🇮🇩 DNA

🇺🇦 ДНК

🇵🇱 DNA

🇯🇵 DNA

🇫🇷 ADN

🇪🇸 ADN

🇹🇷 DNA

🇰🇷 DNA

🇸🇦 دنا

🇨🇿 DNA

🇸🇰 DNA

🇨🇳 DNA

🇸🇮 DNA

🇮🇸 DNA

🇰🇿 ДНҚ

🇬🇪 დნმ (DNM)

🇦🇿 DNT

🇲🇽 ADN

Etymology

The discovery of DNA dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with key contributions from scientists such as Friedrich Miescher, Phoebus Levene, and Erwin Chargaff. However, it was not until the landmark discovery of the DNA double helix structure by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 that the true significance of DNA as the genetic material was fully recognized. Since then, DNA has become a fundamental concept in genetics and molecular biology, revolutionizing our understanding of heredity and evolution.