What is DNA

The recipe to your unique self.

DNA is the molecule that contains all the information about our body. Most of our physical features are inherited from our parents. Than there is that special twist that makes us all unique. Swiss DNA Bank offers you a safe shelter for your bodyʼs recipe.

Definition of DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nuclear acid that carries the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms. The main role of DNA molecules is the long-term storage of information. DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints, a recipe, or a code, since it contains the instructions needed to construct other components of cells, such as proteins and RNA molecules. The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in regulating the use of this genetic information.

Within cells, DNA is organized into structures called chromosomes. These chromosomes are duplicated before cells divide, in a process called DNA replication. Eukaryotic organisms (animals, plants, fungi, and protists) store their DNA inside the cell nucleus, while in prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) it is found in the cell's cytoplasm. Within the chromosomes, chromatin proteins such as histones compact and organize DNA. These compact structures guide the interactions between DNA and other proteins, helping control which parts of the DNA are transcribed.