DNA

What Does DNA Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

DNA means "Deoxyribonucleic Acid," "Does Not Apply," and "Did Not Attend."

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material found in cells of all living organisms. It is inherited from parents - half from the mother, and half from the father - and determines everything from eye color to immune system. The discovery of DNA is credited to James Watson and Francis Crick, in 1953. DNA consists of two strands of nucleotides twisted into a double helix. Each nucleotide contains a sugar, a phosphate, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T). The sequence of these bases encodes genetic instructions for making proteins and governing biological functions.

Ali: Have the police charged someone for that attack in town last month?
Sam: Yes. They were caught after they took a DNA sample.
Ali: What does DNA stand for?
Sam: National Dyslexics Association!

Does Not Apply

DNA can also mean "Does Not Apply," meaning something is not applicable. For example, if a document asks for a spouse's name, but you are single, you could write DNA. In this context, DNA means the same as the more commonly used N/A, meaning "Not Applicable."

Did Not Attend

DNA may also mean "Did Not Attend," which indicates that someone was not present at an event.

Image for DNA

When I write DNA, I mean this:

DNA also means "Does Not Apply" and "Did Not Attend."

Summary of Key Points for First Definition

"Deoxyribonucleic Acid" is, by far, the most common meaning for DNA when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)