DNAnews: What is DNA? – Vol 1.01 August 2024
The letters “DNA” stands for DeoxyriboNucleic Acid. DNA is known as the blueprint of life because it directs all the processes that take place in all living things that contain DNA. DNA is a relatively complex molecule that contains all the instructions which an organism needs to develop, live, and reproduce. DNA is found inside most cells, and they are passed down from parents to their offspring. But the question remains! what exactly is DNA, and why is it so crucial in life and popular today?
The Basics of DNA: DNA is a long, double-helix molecule present in the nucleus of many cells. It is made up of smaller units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. There are four types of nitrogenous bases in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases pair up in a specific way: A always pairs with T, and C always pairs with G. This pairing is crucial for DNA’s ability to replicate itself and function.
How DNA Stores Information: The sequence of the nitrogenous bases (A, T, C and G) forms the genetic code, much like letters of the alphabet are combined to form words and sentences. Each region of the DNA sequence that specifies a code is called a gene. This code is read by the cell to produce proteins, which are the building blocks and machinery of the cell. The order of the bases determines what proteins are made, and thus, what functions the cell can perform. Think of DNA as a cookbook where each recipe tells you how to prepare a particular dish. In this case each recipe is a gene, and the sequence of bases in the gene tells the cell how to make a specific protein.
How Information in DNA is Passed to Offspring’s: For genetic information to pass from parent to offspring, the cell must divide. Before a cell divides, it needs to make an exact copy of its DNA so that each new cell (the offspring) has the same genetic information as the parent. This process is called DNA replication. During replication, the double helix unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for a new strand. Enzymes called DNA polymerases add the correct nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, following the base-pairing rules. The result is two identical DNA molecules, each with one old strand and one new strand.
DNA in Living Organisms: Every living organism, from the tiniest bacteria to the largest whale, has DNA. In humans, DNA is organized into structures called chromosomes, found in the nucleus of cells. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. Half of these chromosomes come from the mother, and half come from the father. This is why all children must inherit traits from both biological parents.
DNA and Genetics: Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for making proteins. The study of genes and their effects is called genetics. Mutations, or changes in the DNA sequence, can lead to variations in traits and sometimes cause genetic disorders which manifest as diseases. However, not all mutations are harmful; some can be beneficial or have no effect at all.
Modern Applications of DNA: Understanding DNA has revolutionized many fields. In medicine, it has led to the development of genetic testing, gene therapy, and personalized medicine. In forensics, DNA profiling is used to identify individuals in criminal investigations, resolve paternity disputes and fight against human trafficking. In agriculture, genetic engineering has produced crops that are more productive, and that are resistant to pests, diseases and drought.
Conclusion: DNA is a crucial molecule that holds the instructions for life. Its discovery and the ongoing research into its functions continue to have profound impacts on science, medicine, and many other fields. By understanding DNA, we gain insights into the very essence of biological organisms and unlock the potential for incredible advancements in health, technology, and our understanding of life itself. So, the next time you hear about DNA, remember that it’s not just a scientific term—it’s the key to understanding how life works and evolves, and how we are related to each other.
Organizations such as ITSI-Biosciences (www.itsibio.com), the Lagos State DNA & Forensic Center (www.lsdfc.org) and Concurrent Technologies and Services (www.dna.ctsng.com) offer DNA testing services to help answer different questions in life which DNA can answer. Visit their websites to take advantage of their expertise..
DNAnews is a monthly newsletter by ITSI Biosciences LLC. The purpose is to provide some basic information about DNA and how it is currently being leveraged to answer many pertinent questions in life today. For questions/comments please send an email to Editor, DNAnews, itsi@itsibio.com.