DNA

DNA

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DNA    Audio Help   (dē'ěn-ā')   

n.   A nucleic acid that carries the genetic information in the cell and is capable of self-replication and synthesis of RNA. DNA consists of two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix and joined by hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine. The sequence of nucleotides determines individual hereditary characteristics.

[d(eoxyribo)n(ucleic) a(cid).]
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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