Science
How does DNA store information?
DNA stores information using a four-letter chemical code — the bases A, T, C, and G. Their order along the DNA strand spells out instructions, much like letters form words. Cells read these sequences to build proteins that run the body.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how DNA works.
Step by step
- 1DNA uses four chemical 'letters': A, T, C, and G.
- 2Their sequence encodes biological instructions.
- 3Groups of three letters specify protein building blocks.
- 4Cells read the code to build proteins.
Frequently asked questions
- How does DNA store information?
- Through the order of four chemical bases (A, T, C, G), which spells out instructions for building proteins.
- What are the four bases of DNA?
- Adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
- How is DNA like a language?
- Its bases act like letters whose sequence forms 'words' (genes) that instruct the cell.