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
Recent Examples on the Web
In Yahya’s case, after DNA tests proved his identity and the legal process was completed to permit repatriation, Zamora prepared the body for return to Morocco, carefully following Islamic practice.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2025
The proposed End Child Trafficking Now Act would mandate DNA testing to verify familial relationships between undocumented immigrants and accompanying minors.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Epigenetics is an emerging field within gene therapy, but unlike other therapies, the treatments do not alter human DNA.
—Zachery Eanes, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025
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
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Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2025
The proposed End Child Trafficking Now Act would mandate DNA testing to verify familial relationships between undocumented immigrants and accompanying minors.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Epigenetics is an emerging field within gene therapy, but unlike other therapies, the treatments do not alter human DNA.
—Zachery Eanes, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025
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
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 22 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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