Opinion ID: 2818127
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Science of DNA as It Relates to These Appeals

Text: DNA is a double-stranded molecule that encodes the genetic information of living organisms. Each strand consists of a series of chemical structures called nucleotides, the particular order of which determines the heritable characteristics of living organisms. DNA sequencing is useful in a variety of fields, especially medicine, where it can help researchers uncover the genetic bases of diseases and in turn design targeted therapies. 4 TRS. OF COLUMBIA UNIV. V. ILLUMINA, INC. Each nucleotide within the DNA molecule consists of three distinct parts, including a sugar, a base, and one or more phosphate groups: Appellant’s Br. 4. 1 Four bases exist in naturally-occurring DNA, including adenine (“A”), guanine (“G”), cytosine (“C”), or thymine (“T”). A and G are known as “purines,” while C and T are known as “pyrimidines.” The sugar component of each nucleotide is comprised of five carbon atoms, conventionally numbered 1’ (“one prime”) through 5’ (“five prime”) and represented by the vertices of the pentagonal sugar structure, as illustrated. Nucleotides not incorporated into a DNA strand contain a hydroxyl group (oxygen bonded to hydrogen, or “OH”) at the 3’ position (“3’-OH group”). When nucleotides join together to form DNA, a single oxygen atom (“O”) links the phosphate group with the sugar at the 3’-OH position: