Deoxyribonucleic Acid (None)

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the hereditary material in almost all living organisms, responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. It is a nucleic acid composed of two long chains (strands) of nucleotides that coil around each other to form a double helix structure. DNA encodes genetic instructions used in development, functioning, growth, and reproduction. Genes within DNA specify sequences for proteins or functional RNAs. Most cellular DNA resides in the nucleus (“nuclear DNA”), but some exists in mitochondria (“mitochondrial DNA”).

Varies widely; includes direct DNA damage (e.g., alkylation, strand breaks), interference with DNA replication or transcription, alteration of gene expression via oligonucleotides or gene editing, and stimulation of immune responses (DNA vaccines).