Chemicals and Drugs

DNA

A deoxyribonucleotide polymer that is the primary genetic material of all cells. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms normally contain DNA in a double-stranded state, yet several important biological processes transiently involve single-stranded regions. DNA, which consists of a polysugar-phosphate backbone possessing projections of purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (thymine and cytosine), forms a double helix that is held together by hydrogen bonds between these purines and pyrimidines (adenine to thymine and guanine to cytosine).

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A deoxyribonucleotide polymer that is the primary genetic material of all cells. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms normally contain DNA in a double-stranded state, yet several important biological processes transiently involve single-stranded regions. DNA, which consists of a polysugar-phosphate backbone possessing projections of purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (thymine and cytosine), forms a double helix that is held together by hydrogen bonds between these purines and pyrimidines (adenine to thymine and guanine to cytosine).

MeSH Record

Classification

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

6 entry terms
  • Deoxyribonucleic Acid
  • DNA, Double-Stranded
  • ds-DNA
  • DNA, Double Stranded
  • Double-Stranded DNA
  • ds DNA

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

29 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, agonists, analysis, antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, drug effects, economics, genetics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, ultrastructure, urine.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

general; prefer specifics; /biosyn permitted but consider also DNA REPLICATION; structural DNA models = DNA (IM) + MOLECULAR MODELS (IM)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

QU 58.5

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. DNA. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D004247. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D004247
  2. DNA. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA
  3. DNA. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7430