DNA

 


DNA (A Bio-molecule)

DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is one of the most essential bio-molecules found in living organisms. DNA is a life-defining molecule. This molecule transfers information from parent to offspring. It is involved in transferring the genetic information from one cell to next cell (mitosis).   DNA Replication is a natural phenomenon which ensures that each dividing cell is receiving the same and equal amount of information as found in the parental cell. DNA is a most fundamental molecule which has the information stored to a particular characteristic to a living organism. Most of the living organisms have DNA as a hereditary material. DNA is more stable than RNA because it has a deoxyribose sugar. Apart from that, the basic components of DNA are nucleotides made from nitrogenous base, pentose sugar, and phosphate molecule. 

 




DNA has three basic elements in its chemical structure i.e. 5-carbon ribose sugar, Phosphate, and a nitrogenous base. DNA resides inside the nucleus hence named as deoxyribonucleic acid. Deoxy means this molecule has 1oxygen less in ribose sugar as compared with RNA. This characteristic of DNA molecule makes it more stable chemically. The basic components of DNA are called nucleotides.

If there is any kind of change in the information being passed by the DNA then this change is termed as mutation. This may be harmful. It may cause disease in certain cases. If this mutation occurs in a somatic cell then it is transferred to the next cell. These sorts of changes leading towards diseases are called as genetic disorders. This mutation also acts as a raw material to bring about the process of evolution.

The most important property of DNA is genetic recombination. This property has given rise to a variety of life on the earth.

In short, DNA is one of the most fundamental molecules for most of the living beings in this world.



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