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DNA

DNA

A double-stranded molecule whose sequence stores and passes on hereditary information in most cells.

Overview

EXPLORE BY LEVEL

DNA is a long molecule written with four chemical letters: A, T, C, and G. It is built from two matching strands twisted together. A pairs with T, and C pairs with G, so each strand can help guide the copying of the other. Cells read selected stretches to make RNA and, for some genes, proteins.

Quick Facts

AT A GLANCE
Explore nextMolecular genetics

Follow the Connections

See how DNA links to other biological records.

Open network
ProcessTranscriptiontemplate forProcessDNA Replicationcopied byProcessDNA RepairprotectsTechniqueCRISPR Gene editingtargets
All 6 Structured Connections
DNA · MoleculeTEMPLATE FOR →Transcription · Process
DNA · MoleculeCOPIED BY →DNA Replication · Process
DNA Repair · ProcessPROTECTS →DNA · Molecule
CRISPR Gene editing · TechniqueTARGETS →DNA · Molecule
Nucleotide · ConceptBUILDING BLOCK OF →DNA · Molecule
DNA Base pair · ConceptHOLDS TOGETHER →DNA · Molecule

Recommended Reading

Trusted references for learning more about DNA.

textbookDNA replication mechanismsMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf textbookThe Structure and Function of DNAMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf textbookThe Universal Features of Cells on EarthMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf textbookFrom DNA to RNAMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf
Show 2 more sources
DNA replication, repair, and recombinationMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf · textbookHow Does Genome Editing Work?National Human Genome Research Institute · guide
Research Claims

DNA function reflects sequence, DNA chemistry, chromatin state, three-dimensional genome organization, replication timing, repair, transcription, and regulatory interactions. The coding sequence is only one possible functional part of a transcription unit; gene boundaries, transcript isoforms, and regulatory elements are context dependent.