In: Nursing
DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid that is a double stranded structure forming double helix that hold the genetic instructions of growth development,functioning and reproduction in all living organisms. DNA is made up of made up of molecules called nucleotides .Each nucleotides contains a phosphate group, a sugar group and a nitrogen base. It consist of four basic nitrogen bases called adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine. The nitrogenous bases are divided into pyrimidines and p1869urines. In DNA pyrimidines are cytosine and thymine and purines are adenine and guanine.The order of these bases is what determines the DNA's instruction or genetic code. The two strands of DNA runs parallel to each other and they are connected by hydrogenbond. The DNA is organized into long structures called chromosomes.
DNA is the master of all the cells that contains vital information which gets passed on to next generation. Its also important for inheritance, coding for protein. DNA was first invented by Friedrich in 1869.Its molecular structure was first eveloved by JAmes Watson and Francis Crick. This DNA which holds the genetic materials can be damaged by many sorts of mutagens like oxidizing agents, alkylating agents, electromagnetic radiation like uv rays and xrays. These mutations can result in addition, deletion from DNA sequence and chromosomal translocation and can also cause cancer.
In every organism during cell division, the DNA should replicate itself into two daughter cells carrying same genetic expression as the parent. The double stranded structure helps for this DNA replication. Within chromosomes DNA is held together by structural proteins and the structure is called chromatin. A branch of science has been basically developed that deals with the study of genes and DNA called genetic engineering. The use of advances in technology have lead to evolution of many areas where the use of knowledge of DNA and genes have improve methods of recognition and treatment of diseases.