DNA
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DNA
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a substance containing genetic information that is found inside the center (nucleus) of cells. DNA determines what features a person inherits from his or her parents, such as blood type, hair color, eye color, and other characteristics.
Chromosomes are parts of body cells that carry the DNA. Each person's DNA contains tens of thousands of genes.
Defects in DNA are called genetic or chromosome defects or disorders. These defects may cause changes in certain body processes or functions. These changes may be harmless and undetectable, or they may cause genetic diseases or disorders, such as hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, or Down syndrome.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics |
| Last Updated | November 20, 2007 |
| Last updated: | November 20, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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