What does DNA stand for?

What does DNA stand for?

• A. Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid
• B. Deoxyribose Nucleic Acids
• C. Ribonucleic Acid
• D. Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Answer: (D)

The name of this molecule encodes its chemistry and role. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and that wording mirrors its structure: deoxyribose is the sugar in its backbone, which is missing one oxygen compared with ribose (hence “deoxy”). The “ribo” part links to the sugar family, and the whole word “ribonucleic” reflects that nucleotide-based, polymeric nature. The ending “acid” refers to the phosphate groups that give nucleic acids their acidic character. This distinguishes DNA from RNA, which is ribonucleic acid and uses ribose with a slightly different base (uracil instead of thymine). Among the given options, the form that properly combines deoxyribose with the nucleic acid concept and uses the singular “acid” is the correct, standard name.

The name of this molecule encodes its chemistry and role. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and that wording mirrors its structure: deoxyribose is the sugar in its backbone, which is missing one oxygen compared with ribose (hence “deoxy”). The “ribo” part links to the sugar family, and the whole word “ribonucleic” reflects that nucleotide-based, polymeric nature. The ending “acid” refers to the phosphate groups that give nucleic acids their acidic character.

This distinguishes DNA from RNA, which is ribonucleic acid and uses ribose with a slightly different base (uracil instead of thymine). Among the given options, the form that properly combines deoxyribose with the nucleic acid concept and uses the singular “acid” is the correct, standard name.