n :  any of various nucleic acids that are usu. the molecular basis of heredity, are localized esp. in cell nuclei, and are constructed of a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine bases which project inward from two chains containing alternate links of deoxyribose and phosphate - called also deoxyribonucleic acid  - see RECOMBINANT DNA  .
 
 
 
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