WordValeDNA
the molecule that stores genetic instructions
In more detail
1. (noun) the molecule in living cells that carries genetic information and instructions for how a living thing grows and develops; also the letters D-N-A stand for deoxyribonucleic acid
2. (noun) the genetic information that is passed from parents to their children
Examples
- 1. Scientists studied the DNA from the ancient bones to learn about early humans.
- 2. You inherit half your DNA from your mother and half from your father.
How to use DNA
DNA is used as a standard technical term in biology, medicine, and forensics to refer to the physical molecule carrying hereditary instructions or the genetic blueprint itself. It functions as an uncountable noun in most contexts and is equally common in formal scientific writing and everyday conversation. The acronym is so established that the full form deoxyribonucleic acid is rarely used outside academic chemistry.
Common phrases
- DNA test
- DNA sample
- DNA sequence
- extract DNA
- DNA evidence
- human DNA
Synonyms
genetic material · hereditary information · genome · genes · chromosomes
Word family
DNA (noun, uncountable) · genetic (adjective) · genetics (noun) · gene (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes treat DNA as a countable noun (saying 'a DNA' or 'DNAs') when discussing multiple samples; in proper usage, you say 'DNA samples' or 'DNA strands' rather than 'DNAs'.
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