ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Deoxynucleotide

Deoxynucleotides are like letters that make up a word. They are special building blocks that cells use to build DNA, the genetic material that determines how we look and function. Just like how letters come in different shapes, deoxynucleotides come in four types: A, T, C, and G. These letters are arranged in a specific order to create the genetic code that makes us who we are.

The "deoxy" part of the word just means that these building blocks do not have an oxygen atom in a certain spot. This makes them different from regular nucleotides, which do have an oxygen atom in that spot.

Together, deoxynucleotides make up the structure of DNA like building blocks make up a tower. Scientists can even "read" the sequence of nucleotides in DNA to understand how they create different traits and functions in our bodies.

In summary, deoxynucleotides are special blocks that make up DNA, like letters make up words, and they come in four types: A, T, C, and G. They help create the genetic code that determines who we are.