What does DNA stand for?

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid. This term reflects the chemical structure of DNA, which consists of two main components: deoxyribose, a type of sugar, and nucleic acid, which is a polymer made up of nucleotide monomers. The "deoxy" part refers to the presence of one less oxygen atom in the sugar (deoxyribose) compared to ribose, which is found in RNA (ribonucleic acid).

Recognizing this full name is crucial for understanding many biological processes, as DNA plays a central role in genetics, heredity, and the functioning of all living organisms. The other terms provided do not accurately describe DNA; for instance, dihydroxyacetone is a simple carbohydrate, while "digestive nucleic acid" is not a recognized scientific term. Similarly, while "deoxyribose nucleic acid" is close, it is not the standard term used in biology. Understanding the correct abbreviation is foundational to studies in biochemistry and molecular biology.