dee-en-AY
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary material containing genetic instructions for the development and function of living organisms. This double-helix molecule carries the blueprint of life and is fundamental to genetics, medicine, and forensic science.
4
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
DNA is a scientifically-recognized acronym that's valid in word games. Its common letters make it relatively easy to play, while its scientific significance makes it memorable.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary material found in nearly all living organisms. This remarkable double-helix molecule contains the genetic instructions needed to develop, maintain, and reproduce life. Located primarily in cell nuclei, DNA carries the code that determines everything from eye color to disease susceptibility.
The structure of DNA consists of two complementary strands wound around each other, forming the famous double helix discovered by Watson, Crick, Franklin, and Wilkins. Each strand contains sequences of four chemical bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). These bases pair specifically—A with T, G with C—creating the genetic code that makes each organism unique.
DNA serves multiple critical functions: storing genetic information, transmitting hereditary traits from parents to offspring, and providing instructions for protein synthesis through RNA intermediates. Modern applications include genetic testing, personalized medicine, forensic identification, ancestry tracking, and biotechnology applications like gene therapy.
In word games, DNA is valuable as a common scientific acronym that most players recognize. Its simple letter combination (D-N-A) uses frequent consonants and a vowel, making it relatively easy to form while providing respectable point values. The word's universal recognition makes it a safe, strategic play.
The acronym "DNA" stands for "deoxyribonucleic acid," a term that breaks down into meaningful scientific components. "Deoxy" means "lacking oxygen" (compared to ribose), "ribose" refers to the five-carbon sugar backbone, "nucleic" indicates its location in the cell nucleus, and "acid" describes its chemical properties.
The historical development of DNA terminology follows this timeline:
The word components derive from scientific Latin and Greek: "deoxy" (Greek: without oxygen), "ribose" (German: from Arabic ribāz, meaning syrup), "nucleus" (Latin: kernel), and "acid" (Latin: acidus, meaning sour). This reflects the international nature of scientific collaboration in discovering and naming this fundamental molecule.
Words with similar meaning
Genetic material
Hereditary substance carrying genetic information
Hereditary material
Biological substance passed from parents to offspring
Genetic code
Instructions for biological development
Chromosome material
Component of chromosomes containing genes
Blueprint of life
Metaphorical term for genetic instructions
Genome
Complete set of DNA in an organism
Associated scientific concepts
RNA
Ribonucleic acid, DNA's chemical cousin
Protein
Product of DNA instructions via RNA
Gene
Specific DNA sequence coding for traits
Chromosome
Structure containing organized DNA
Nucleus
Cell organelle housing most DNA
Mutation
Change in DNA sequence
Full Form
deoxyribonucleic acid
The complete scientific name.
Adjective Form
DNA-based, genetic
DNA evidence, genetic testing.
Related Acronyms
Genetic material used in forensic investigations
Analysis of genetic material for various purposes
Process of determining DNA base order
Identification method using genetic markers
"Researchers used CRISPR technology to edit specific DNA sequences, potentially treating genetic disorders."
"The patient's DNA showed mutations associated with increased cancer risk, prompting preventive measures."
"DNA analysis of the archaeological samples revealed migration patterns from thousands of years ago."
"DNA evidence from the crime scene matched the suspect's genetic profile with 99.99% certainty."
"The Innocence Project used DNA testing to exonerate dozens of wrongfully convicted individuals."
"Cold case investigators submitted DNA samples to the national database, hoping for a match."
"The DNA ancestry kit revealed unexpected connections to distant relatives across three continents."
"Personalized medicine uses DNA analysis to determine the most effective treatments for each patient."
"The paternity test confirmed biological relationships through DNA comparison between father and child."
Total base points: 4 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 1 | Consonants: 2
Common letters: All letters appear frequently in English
Other words using these letters
Anagrams of DNA:
Scientific acronyms:
💡 Tip: DNA's scientific recognition makes it universally accepted!
Note: DNA typically pronounced as individual letters (D-N-A)
If you can't play DNA, consider these alternatives:
The discovery of DNA's double helix structure in 1953 revolutionized biology, medicine, and our understanding of life itself. This breakthrough launched the fields of molecular biology, genetic engineering, and personalized medicine, fundamentally changing how we approach disease treatment and prevention.
DNA fingerprinting, developed in the 1980s, revolutionized criminal justice by providing unprecedented accuracy in identification. It has solved countless crimes, exonerated hundreds of innocent people, and become the gold standard for forensic evidence in courts worldwide.
DNA has become a cultural icon, appearing in everything from science fiction to advertising. Terms like "it's in my DNA" have entered everyday language to describe inherent traits or characteristics, showing how deeply this scientific concept has penetrated public consciousness.
DNA vs. RNA Confusion
DNA stores information; RNA helps implement it
100% Accuracy Myth
DNA testing has statistical probabilities, not absolute certainty
Word Game Hesitation
Some players think acronyms aren't allowed (DNA is valid!)
All DNA is Unique
Identical twins share the same DNA sequence
RNA
Ribonucleic acid
GENE
Unit of heredity
HELIX
Spiral structure
CLONE
Genetic duplicate
GENOME
Complete genetic set
ALLELE
Gene variant
AND
Anagram of DNA
DAN
Anagram of DNA
NAD
Anagram of DNA
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like DNA