by Basel Varsally

Created on: August 25, 2009   Last Updated: August 27, 2009

Deoxyribonucleic acid or for short DNA, is the structure (also a nucleic acid) that based the foundation for all biological life on Earth. From complex mammals like humans to simple marine life such as terrotopsis (type of jellyfish that never dies). If we can harness the full power of DNA, we can not only live forever but control everything and change the face of the Earth forever.

DNA was discovered by biologist James Watson and by physicist Francis Crick. Thanks to the incredible discovery they both achieved, we now have a better understanding about who we are and about our surroundings. DNA is made up of subunits called nucleotides which play a role in aiding metabolism. They serve as sources of chemical energy. They're from a sugar, a phosphate, or a base. The bases come in 4 types of course: adenine (a purine), cytosine (a pyrimidine) guanine (a purine), thymine (a pyrimidine). You need to understand some points about each of the structures that make up a nucleotide: 1) The number of purine bases equals the number of pyrimidine bases. 2)The number of adenine bases equals the number of thymine bases. 3) The number of guanine bases equals the number of cytosine bases 4)

The basic structure of the DNA molecule is helical, with the bases being stacked on top of each other. The DNA structure has two helical chains coiled with the same axis. They follow right handed helices and run in opposite directions. The bases are found inside of the helix and the phosphates are found on the outside. Next, they are held together by purine and pyrimidine bases. Being jointed together (the bases) in chains, they lie side by side and one of them has to be purine and the other pyrimidine in order for bonding to occur. Specific pairs can only match the bond: Adenine (purine) with thymine (pyrimidine), and guanine (purine) with cytosine (pyrimidine).

This is only the basic understanding compared to what we know today. Cells (including ours) have DNA in them that are organized in long pairs called chromosomes. DNA also has its uses in technology, such as in Forensics for example, where scientists can use it (DNA) in blood, semen, skin, saliva, or hair of a deceased victim to identify the perpetrator. This process is called genetic finger printing.

Nanotechnology has been seen to have influence in the uses of DNA. With this kind of technology, DNA is now used as a structure material rather than a carrier of biological information. After this, all in all DNA is still not as understood as people thought. Besides the most successful physicists including James D. Watson, Francis Crick, Raymond Gosling,and Erwin Chargaff, little is known. However with the improvement on technology, we will one day crack the code of Life....not just on Earth but in the Universe.

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