What does DNA stand for?

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid. This term describes the molecular structure that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. The term itself breaks down into components: "deoxy" refers to the sugar component of the nucleic acid, which in this case is ribose with one oxygen removed (thus "deoxy"), "ribo" identifies the type of sugar, and "nucleic acid" signifies that it is an acid located in the nucleus of the cell.

The other choices do not accurately represent the chemical composition or structure of DNA. For instance, "Deoxyribonitrate acid" includes a non-existent term in the context of genetic material. "Dextrosugar nucleic acid" mislabels the sugar component, which is not correct. Finally, "Deoxyribose nucleic acid" leaves out the "nucleic" aspect, which is essential to defining it as a nucleic acid. Thus, the correct choice encapsulates the exact scientific terminology used in genetics and molecular biology.