High
molecular weight, linear polymers, composed of
nucleotides containing deoxyribose and linked by phosphodiester bonds;
DNA contain the genetic information of organisms. The double-stranded form consists of a double
helix of two complementary chains that run in opposite directions and are held together by hydrogen bonds between pairs of the complementary
nucleotides and Hoogsteen (stacking) forces.
Source:
PAC, 1992, 64, 143
(Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992))
on page 151
