There’s a lot to learn when it comes to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), but learning some key words & phrases may be easier than you think. We’ve put together a list of DNA key words, along with their definitions, guaranteed to teach you a thing or two.
DNA: a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix Deoxyribonucleic acid, the material that contains the information that determines inherited characteristics
Nucleotide: sugar, phosphate, nitrogen base
Watson & Crick: Watson and Crick discovered the double helix shape of DNA back in 1952
Replication: the process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules; in short, this is how twins are created
Helicase: any of the enzymes that use the energy derived from the hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates to unwind the double-stranded helical structure of nucleic acids; acts like a zipper
Paternity: fatherhood
DNA Test: a genealogical DNA test looks at a person’s genome at specific locations. Results give information about genealogy or personal ancestry.
DNA Profiling: a forensic technique used to identify individuals by characteristics of their DNA
Genes: a unit of heredity that is transferred from parent to child
If you’re still itching to learn more about DNA, visit our website at http://www.dnasu.com or call us at 1.800.215.9948 today!