DNSmolekulák

DNSmolekulák, more commonly known as DNA molecules, are the fundamental building blocks of genetic information in all known living organisms and many viruses. These complex macromolecules carry the instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses. A DNA molecule is composed of two long chains of nucleotides, which are themselves made up of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The four nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). These bases pair specifically, with adenine always bonding to thymine, and guanine always bonding to cytosine, forming the iconic double helix structure. This structure is often described as a twisted ladder, where the sugar-phosphate backbone forms the sides of the ladder and the paired bases form the rungs. The sequence of these bases along the DNA strand encodes genetic information, akin to letters forming words and sentences. This sequence dictates the production of proteins, which perform a vast array of functions within a cell, from catalyzing biochemical reactions to providing structural support. DNA is passed down from parents to offspring, ensuring the continuity of genetic traits. The study of DNA molecules, or molecular biology, has revolutionized our understanding of life, genetics, evolution, and disease.