dasDesoxyribonukleinsäure

Desoxyribonukleinsäure, commonly known as DNA, is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses. It is a double helix structure, resembling a twisted ladder, composed of two long strands of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). The sequence of these bases along the DNA strands encodes the genetic information.

The two strands of DNA are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases, with adenine always pairing with thymine (A-T) and guanine always pairing with cytosine (G-C). This complementarity is crucial for DNA replication, a process where the molecule makes exact copies of itself, ensuring that genetic information is passed on to new cells. DNA also plays a vital role in protein synthesis. Segments of DNA called genes contain the instructions for building specific proteins, which perform a vast array of functions within an organism. These proteins are essential for everything from structural support to enzymatic activity and immune responses. The study of DNA, known as molecular biology, has revolutionized our understanding of life and has led to significant advancements in medicine, agriculture, and forensic science.