Nuclear DNA

Nuclear DNA (or nDNA) is the DNA which is stored in the nucleus of a cell. It is inherited from both the mother and the father, half from each. It is present in every cell of the body, except the red blood cells. Nuclear DNA is the most common type of DNA used in genetic testing.

Structure

Nuclear DNA is packaged into chromosomes. Each cell normally contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. Twenty-two of these pairs, called autosomes, look the same in both males and females. The 23rd pair, the sex chromosomes, differ between males and females.

Function

Nuclear DNA codes for all the proteins in the body. It also contains genes, which are the instructions for the development, growth, function, and reproduction of the body's cells.

Inheritance

Nuclear DNA is inherited from both parents. Each parent contributes 23 chromosomes to their offspring. The combination of these chromosomes determines the offspring's genetic makeup.

In Genetic Testing

Nuclear DNA is the most common type of DNA used in genetic testing. It can be used to identify individuals, determine paternity, and diagnose genetic disorders.

See Also

• Mitochondrial DNA
• Genome
• Genetics
• Genetic testing

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