deoxyribonucleic acid

(noun)

A genetic component found in all living things which it is associated with the transmission of genetic information; consists of a polymer formed from nucleotides which are shaped into a double helix.

Related Terms

Examples of deoxyribonucleic acid in the following topics:

  • Chromosomes and Genes

    • DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, determines whether our eyes are blue or brown, how tall we will be, and even our preference for certain types of behavior.
    • Known as our "genetic code," it is shaped like a double helix, made of sequences of nucleic acids attached to a sugar phosphate backbone.

  • The Role of Genes in Prenatal Development

    • DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is responsible for the transmission of genetic material.

  • Neurotransmitters

    • Another group of neurotransmitters are amino acids, including glutamate (Glu), GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, a derivative of glutamate), and glycine (Gly).
    • These amino acids have an amino group and a carboxyl group in their chemical structures.
    • Glutamate is one of the 20 amino acids used to make proteins.
    • Each amino acid neurotransmitter is its own system, namely the glutamatergic, GABAergic, and glycinergic systems.
    • Amino acid neurotransmitters are eliminated from the synapse by reuptake.

  • Nutrition and Health

    • These molecules are broken down into essential amino acids and fatty acids and used as fuel for cellular functions.
    • The Basics of Nutrition: Macronutrients, Amino and Fatty Acids, and Micronutrients
    • Fats, or lipids, are combinations of fatty acids.
    • Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are particularly important in maintaining health, while trans fatty acids have been found to harm body function.
    • The benefits of trace minerals range from bone and tooth formation to acid-base balance.

  • The Endocrine System and Hunger

    • Blood levels of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids provide a constant flow of information to the brain that may be linked to regulating hunger and energy intake.
    • They inhibit hunger by raising blood glucose levels, elevating blood levels of amino acids, and affecting blood concentrations of fatty acids.

  • Depressants

    • On the neural level, most depressants act on the brain by affecting the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is responsible for regulating (specifically, decreasing) neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system.
    • Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA receptor, resulting in sedative, hypnotic (sleep-inducing), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxant properties.

  • The Endocrine System

    • Hormones can be divided into four separate groups: amino acids, polypeptides and proteins, steroids, and eicosanoids.

  • How the Body Responds to Stress

    • In addition, your senses (especially vision and hearing) are heightened, glucose and fatty acids are released into the blood stream for energy, and your immune and digestive systems all but shut down to provide you with the necessary energy to fight the stressor.
    • Glucose and fatty acids are forced into the bloodstream for energy.

  • Gustation: Taste Buds and Taste

    • Sour tastes signal the presence of acidic compounds in substances.

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

    • Dietary modifications may also be of benefit, with evidence supporting the use of fatty acids and reduced exposure to food coloring.