Humber Admissions Practice Test

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What does DNA stand for?

Deoxyribonucleic acid
Deoxyribonitrogenous acid
Deoxythymidine nucleic acid
Deoxyribonucleotide acid

The correct answer is: Deoxyribonucleic acid

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid. This term describes the molecule that carries genetic information in the cells of living organisms. The structure of DNA is known for its double helix formation, which consists of two strands coiled around each other. Each strand is made up of a backbone composed of deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups, with nucleotides attached that include the nitrogenous bases adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. The other options present incorrect terms or combinations of terms that do not accurately represent DNA. For instance, 'Deoxyribonitrogenous acid' mistakenly introduces "nitrogenous" which is not used to describe DNA; the correct term is "nucleic." Similarly, 'Deoxythymidine nucleic acid' inaccurately emphasizes thymidine, a specific nucleotide, rather than the broader structure of DNA as a whole, and 'Deoxyribonucleotide acid' improperly suggests a nucleotide rather than the larger structure of nucleic acid. By understanding that DNA refers specifically to deoxyribonucleic acid, one can appreciate its role and importance in biology and genetics.