Definition noun A double-stranded nucleic acid that contains the genetic information for cell growth, division, and function. Supplement Structure: DNA is composed of two strands that twist together to form a helix. Each strand consists of alternating phosphate (PO4) and pentose sugar (2-deoxyribose), and attached on the sugar is a nitrogenous base, which can be adenine, thymine, guanine, or cytosine. In DNA, these bases pair; adenine pairs with thymine and guanine with cytosine. Hence, DNA is a ladder-like helical structure. Location: DNA is found in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells, and chiefly in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. A small fraction of total DNA is present in mitochondria and chloroplasts. Function: DNA is a long polymer of nucleotides to code for the sequence of amino acid during protein synthesis. DNA is said to carry the genetic blueprint since it contains the instructions or information (called genes) needed to construct cellular components like proteins and RNA molecules. Word origin: abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid. See also: gene, base pair, genetic code, RNA. See more here: DNA - definition from Biology-Online.org - Life Science ... … Continue reading →

The DNA samples from the relatives of the Filipino victims in the July 17 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in Eastern Ukraine have already been provided to authorities in the Netherlands to expedite the identification process of the deceased, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Wednesday. According to DFA Spokesperson Charles Jose, the Philippine Embassy in the Hague reported that the Netherlands-based sister of Irene Gunawan already provided their DNA samples to Dutch authorities. Likewise, the dental records of the Filipino victims have also been obtained. Irene and her two children Sherryl Shania, 14, and Darryl Dwight; 20, perished in the tragic shooting of flight MH17. Jose said the corresponding records of the children are likewise being obtained. Once the identity of a body is made by the Dutch and international forensics team, the ministry will inform the next of kin if they wish to view and confirm the identity of the deceased relative, he said. Jose added that the ministry is initially working on a one month timeframe before the identities of all the bodies and body parts may be determined and the next of kin will be invited to view the remains. However, the process … Continue reading →

COLUMBUS, Ohio - DNA is critical in the race to catch a rapist, and Ohio's crime lab can make the match in just one day. But NBC4 Investigates uncovered a critical DNA delay. "When you're dealing with a rapist who will rape again and again and again, the faster you can get him off the street, the better," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. Rape kits are sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation lab in London, Ohio. From victims around the state, the DNA is analyzed and checked against every known criminal. But historically, the bureau has been bogged down by backlogs. "The day I took office, the average time to get evidence back for DNA was 125 days," DeWine said. HAVE A TIP? Submit A Tip To NBC4 Investigates DeWine oversees the lab, and said that a delay of 125 days is "almost criminal." He reduced that four-month turnaround time to a little more than three weeks. But DeWine admits that there are many cases that deserve an even quicker response. "Everybody wants to have a shorter turnaround time, and we make it very clear to these departments, we can do it in 24 hours. You need … Continue reading →