What it means
A long, double-stranded molecule shaped like a twisted ladder (a double helix). The order of its building blocks spells out genes, the instructions for making proteins. It is found in the nucleus of almost every cell, packed into chromosomes, and a copy passes from parents to children. Some viruses carry DNA as their genes; others carry RNAar-en-AY (said as letters)Ribonucleic acid: a molecule in cells that copies genetic instructions from DNA and helps build proteins.Full entry .
At a glance
| Also written | deoxyribonucleic acid |
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Related terms
chromosome
A thread-like structure in the nucleus of a cell that carries the genes, made of tightly packed DNA.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid: a molecule in cells that copies genetic instructions from DNA and helps build proteins.