nonDNA

NonDNA refers to nucleic acid polymers that are not deoxyribonucleic acid. In biology and biotechnology, non-DNA systems are studied as alternative carriers of genetic information, as structural polymers, or as functional catalysts and binders. The most familiar non-DNA molecule is ribonucleic acid (RNA). RNA is typically single-stranded, uses ribose sugar and uracil, and serves as messenger, catalyst (ribozymes), and regulator. RNA genomes are also found in several viruses, illustrating natural non-DNA genetic material.

Beyond RNA, researchers study synthetic non-DNA polymers known as xeno nucleic acids (XNA), which use alternative sugar backbones such as threose, hexitol, or other chemistries. XNAs can store information and bind to DNA/RNA sequences, often with greater resistance to nucleases and altered properties, offering possibilities for biotechnology and nanotechnology. Another well-studied non-DNA analogue is peptide nucleic acid (PNA), which has a peptide-like backbone and can form strong, specific hybrids with DNA or RNA. PNAs are used in diagnostics, antisense therapies, and molecular devices, but face challenges in cellular delivery and biocompatibility.

Non-DNA nucleic acids thus expand the toolkit of molecular biology, supporting research in gene regulation, diagnostics, therapeutics, and data storage concepts. They are primarily used in controlled laboratory settings, with ongoing work to understand their interactions with natural biological systems and their safety implications.