On this page, We are going to learn about the full form of DNA and the meaning of DNA, As well as the meaning, definition, abbreviation, and acronym for DNA in different categories. So you should read this post till the end.
The Full Form of DNA: Deoxy Ribonucleic Acid
DNA Stands for Deoxy Ribonucleic acid. DNA is a molecule that contains the genetic code of all organisms. It has genetic properties. The shape of DNA is like a zig-zag pattern. it is present in every living being.
Each DNA molecule is made up of four elements – Adenine, Guanine, Thymine, and Cytoline, that is known as nucleotides. and Each nucleotide contains a nitrogenous substance. DNA occupies 0.09 micrometers of space in each cell. And 700 terabytes of information can be stored in 1 gram of DNA.
DNA is present in almost every cell in our body except red blood cells. Every human being receives 23 pairs of DNA from their parents. That is, the DNA of any human being is made up of a mixture of the DNA of his parents. This is the reason that many traits of parents are found in the same way in children.
What are the 3 types of DNA?
There are mainly three types of DNA.
- A-DNA: This is the same right-handed double helix as the B-DNA form.
- B-DNA: This is the most common DNA structure and is a right-handed helix.
- Z-DNA: Z-DNA is a left-handed DNA where the double helix winds to the left in a zig-zag pattern.
When and who discovered DNA
In 1953, DNA was discovered by scientists James and Francis Crick and for this discovery, they were also awarded the Nobel Prize in 1962.
In 1953, Francis Crick and James Watson first time described the molecular structure of DNA (Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid), Which was known as the “Double Helix”
Difference Between DNA and RNA
| DNA | RNA |
|---|---|
| DNA means deoxyribonucleic acid | RNA means ribonucleic acid. |
| DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, | The sugar in RNA is ribose. |
| DNA is mainly found in the nucleus, | RNA is found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. |
| DNA consists of bases – adenine, guanine, thymine, cytosine, | In RNA, the base thymine is replaced by uracil. |
| DNA stores and transfers genetic information to generate new cells and organisms | RNA carries the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosome to make proteins and to carry the guidelines for the DNA blueprint. |
| DNA is a double-stranded molecule, | RNA is a single-stranded molecule. |
| DNA reproduces by itself | RNA can be extracted from DNA if needed. |
| DNA can be damaged by ultraviolet rays. | Ultraviolet rays have no effect on RNA. |
| DNA has base-pairing AT and GC but | The base pairing of RNA is AU and GC. |
| Most of the DNA is contained in the nucleus, | RNA is embedded in ribosomes. |
| DNA conducts genetics activities, | RNA helps in the selection of amino acids carrying various orders outside the nucleus and helps in protein synthesis. |
| The life span of DNA is long. | RNA has a short life |