Chapter 13.2, Problem 2MI

Summary Introduction

To define:

The term DNA.

Introduction:

Nucleic acids are the primary data conveying molecules of the cell, and, by coordinating the cycle of protein synthesis, they decide the acquired attributes of each living thing.

Explanation of Solution

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic material for most animals and plants, and even some viruses. The name originates from its structure, which is a sugar and phosphate backbone which have bases standing out from it. So that "deoxyribo" alludes to the sugar and the nucleic acid alludes to the phosphate and the bases.