Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

DNA occurs within the cells of all living things: plants, animals and microscopic organisms. In most organisms the DNA is contained within the nucleus where it forms chromosomes.

Chromosomes consist of tightly coiled strands of DNA, many thousands of base-pairs long. It is possible to extract DNA from living cells using materials found in your kitchen.

Small fragments of DNA can sometimes be found in the remains of long-dead plants and animals. Wheather decades old or from thousands of years ago, this is called ancient DNA.