DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that carries the genetic blueprint for all living organisms. It is composed of two strands that form a double helix structure, with each strand made up of smaller units called nucleotides. These nucleotides consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. The sequence of these nitrogenous bases encodes the genetic information necessary for the growth, development, and functioning of organisms. Each cell in an organism contains DNA, which is passed from one generation to the next, ensuring continuity of genetic traits.
The discovery of DNA’s structure in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick revolutionized biology and paved the way for advancements in genetics, medicine, and biotechnology. DNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, where specific genes are transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) and then translated into proteins that carry out vital functions in cells. Furthermore, DNA is the key to understanding heredity, as it contains the instructions for inherited traits and genetic variation. Studying DNA not only helps scientists understand diseases and genetic disorders but also opens up possibilities for gene editing and other medical innovations. Shutdown123