DNA
To test, sequence, or analyze the genetic material of a biological sample to identify its origin or characteristics. It is frequently used in forensic, scientific, and genealogical contexts as a shorthand for performing DNA analysis.
Examples
3 of 5The vet suggested we DNA the puppy to determine its exact breed mix.
The veterinarian suggested performing a genetic test on the puppy to find out its specific breeds.
It is standard procedure to DNA any biological evidence recovered from a crime scene.
It is a regular requirement to perform genetic profiling on all biological evidence found at a crime location.
I'm going to DNA myself using one of those online kits to find my distant relatives.
I will use a genetic testing service to discover my extended family members.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of DNA as 'Decoding Nature's Alphabet' to remember its role in identifying living things.
Quick Quiz
The police were finally able to solve the cold case after they decided to ______ the old evidence found in storage.
Correct!
The correct answer is: DNA
Examples
The vet suggested we DNA the puppy to determine its exact breed mix.
everydayThe veterinarian suggested performing a genetic test on the puppy to find out its specific breeds.
It is standard procedure to DNA any biological evidence recovered from a crime scene.
formalIt is a regular requirement to perform genetic profiling on all biological evidence found at a crime location.
I'm going to DNA myself using one of those online kits to find my distant relatives.
informalI will use a genetic testing service to discover my extended family members.
The researchers plan to DNA the entire specimen collection to map evolutionary changes.
academicThe scientists intend to sequence the genetic material of the whole collection to track changes over time.
The biotech startup was contracted to DNA thousands of plant samples for the agricultural study.
businessThe biotechnology company was hired to conduct genetic testing on thousands of plant samples for the study.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in one's DNA
Part of someone's fundamental character or nature
DNA fingerprinting
The process of identifying individuals by their DNA
DNA database
A collection of genetic profiles
Often Confused With
DNA stores genetic information, while RNA mostly acts as a messenger to create proteins.
DNA is the material (the 'ink'), while a gene is a specific section of DNA (a 'sentence').
Usage Notes
Using 'DNA' as a verb is somewhat informal or technical jargon; in formal writing, it is better to use 'perform DNA analysis' or 'sequence the DNA'. It must always be capitalized as it is an acronym.
Common Mistakes
Learners often treat it as a common noun and forget to capitalize it, or they use it as a verb in high-level academic papers where more formal terms like 'sequence' are preferred.
Memory Tip
Think of DNA as 'Decoding Nature's Alphabet' to remember its role in identifying living things.
Word Origin
An abbreviation for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, first isolated in 1869 but its structure was not identified until 1953.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The rise of commercial DNA testing kits has turned 'DNA' into a common household verb for people exploring their genealogy.
Quick Quiz
The police were finally able to solve the cold case after they decided to ______ the old evidence found in storage.
Correct!
The correct answer is: DNA
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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