Illustration of DNA
- A molecular model
- 1 hydrogen
- 2 oxygen
- 3 carbon in the helical phosphate ester chains
- 4 carbon and nitrogen in the cross-linked purine and pyrimidine bases
- 5 phosphorus
- B double helix
DNA
noun
: any of various nucleic acids that are usually the molecular basis of heredity, are constructed of a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine bases (see base entry 1 sense 6b) which project inward from two chains containing alternate links of deoxyribose and phosphate, and that in eukaryotes are localized chiefly in cell nuclei compare recombinant dna
Examples of DNA in a Sentence
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Though some might be surprised to see Neanderthal DNA in their ancestry test results, people of non-African descent derive 1 to 4 percent of their genomes from this extinct human cousin.
—
Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
Earlier this year, the office received a $500,000 grant for advanced DNA testing and genealogical investigations, and since then, the unit has initiated genealogy investigations for 14 of those cases.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2024
Judy Rodriguez, a 30-year-old New York woman who was reported missing earlier that year, was identified as the victim using advanced DNA technology, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 31 Dec. 2024
Zoey and Jazz's pet parents recently learned through a DNA test that the dogs are biological sisters.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
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Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
Earlier this year, the office received a $500,000 grant for advanced DNA testing and genealogical investigations, and since then, the unit has initiated genealogy investigations for 14 of those cases.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2024
Judy Rodriguez, a 30-year-old New York woman who was reported missing earlier that year, was identified as the victim using advanced DNA technology, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 31 Dec. 2024
Zoey and Jazz's pet parents recently learned through a DNA test that the dogs are biological sisters.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for DNA
Dictionary Entries Near DNA
Cite this Entry
“DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
DNA
noun
: any of various nucleic acids that are located especially in cell nuclei, are usually the chemical basis of heredity, and are composed of two nucleotide chains held together by hydrogen bonds in a pattern resembling a flexible twisted ladder compare rna
Medical Definition
DNA
noun
: any of various nucleic acids that are usually the molecular basis of heredity, are constructed of a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine bases which project inward from two chains containing alternate links of deoxyribose and phosphate, and that in eukaryotes are localized chiefly in cell nuclei
called also deoxyribonucleic acid
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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