DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) serves as the genetic blueprint for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of organisms. It consists of a double helix structure made up of nucleotides, each composed of a sugar (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or thymine). The specific sequence of these bases along the DNA strand encodes genetic information that determines an organism's traits and characteristics. RNA (Ribonucleic Acid), is another essential nucleic acid involved in various cellular processes, including protein synthesis and gene expression. It is like DNA in structure but typically exists as a single-stranded molecule, uses ribose as its sugar and includes the same nitrogenous bases as DNA, except that thymine is replaced by uracil. mRNA acts as a messenger, carrying genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized based upon the instructions provided by the RNA molecule. It also plays roles in other cellular functions, such as gene regulation and catalysing some biochemical reactions. DNA and RNA molecules, though traditionally associated with genetics, also play important roles in epigenetic processes. One of the best-studied epigenetic modifications is DNA methylation, involving the addition of a methyl group (CH3) to the cytosine base within DNA, typically at CpG dinucleotides. CpG dinucleotides are often clustered in regions termed CpG islands, found predominantly near gene promoters. DNA methylation has a profound impact on gene regulation. High levels of methylation at gene promoters can inhibit transcription by preventing the binding of transcription factors and RNA polymerase to DNA, resulting in the silencing of gene expression. Conversely, the absence of methylation (or demethylation) can activate gene expression. DNA methylation patterns can be stably inherited through cell divisions, allowing epigenetic information to be transmitted from one generation of cells to the next. This epigenetic memory is critical for maintaining cell identity during development and to maintain tissue-specific functions. DNA methylation plays a key role in genomic imprinting, a process where specific genes are silenced depending on their parental origin. Imprinted genes are involved in traits related to growth, development, and behaviour. In females, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated in each cell to equalize gene dosage with males. DNA methylation patterns play a role in this process by silencing one of the X chromosomes. RNA molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important components in epigenetics. MiRNAs can bind to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and inhibit their translation, whilst LncRNAs can interact with DNA, RNA, and proteins to influence chromatin structure and gene expression. RNA molecules, particularly small RNAs, can guide epigenetic changes in chromatin structure. For example, miR-29 is known to target DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), enzymes responsible for adding methyl groups to DNA. When miR-29 levels are low, DNMTs can become overactive, leading to hypermethylation of specific genes. Finally, some non-coding RNAs, known as enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), are transcribed from enhancer regions in the genome. They can facilitate chromatin remodelling and influence the activation or repression of nearby genes. We provide a large product catalogue of research tools for investigating DNA and RNA, including p53 antibodies, p63 antibodies, PCNA antibodies, Angiogenin ELISA Kits, and DDIT3 ELISA Kits. Explore our full DNA and RNA product range below and discover more, for less.