Full Forms in Science — DNA, RNA, ATP, LASER

Last updated:Sep 2026

Science uses many abbreviations and chemical formulas. Here are 40+ full forms and chemical terms used in biology, chemistry, and physics that every student should understand.

Full List of Science Terms

Abbreviation	Full Form/Chemical Formula	Meaning
ACE	Angiotensin Converting Enzyme	Enzyme involved in blood pressure regulation
ATP	Adenosine Triphosphate	Energy molecule in cells; "cellular energy currency"
ADP	Adenosine Diphosphate	Energy molecule after ATP releases energy
AMP	Adenosine Monophosphate	Energy molecule with single phosphate
BMP	Basic Metabolic Panel	Blood test checking kidney/liver function
CAM	Crassulacean Acid Metabolism	Plant photosynthesis method
C3	Carbon-3 Compound	Molecule in photosynthesis
C4	Carbon-4 Compound	Molecule in photosynthesis (more efficient)
cDNA	Complementary DNA	DNA copied from RNA (used in genetic research)
CO2	Carbon Dioxide	Gas produced by respiration; used by plants for photosynthesis
DNA	Deoxyribonucleic Acid	Genetic material carrying hereditary information
DNA-P	DNA Polymerase	Enzyme that copies DNA
EDTA	Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid	Chemical used in lab testing
ETC	Electron Transport Chain	System in mitochondria producing ATP energy
FAD	Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide	Coenzyme in energy production
FeSO4	Ferrous Sulfate	Iron compound; supplement for anemia
FMN	Flavin Mononucleotide	Coenzyme in cellular respiration
GTP	Guanosine Triphosphate	Energy molecule (similar to ATP)
H2	Hydrogen Gas	Flammable gas element
H2O	Water	Universal solvent; essential for life
H2O2	Hydrogen Peroxide	Cleaning/disinfecting agent
H2SO4	Sulfuric Acid	Strong acid used in industry
HCL	Hydrochloric Acid	Stomach acid; industrial chemical
HOMO	Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital	Orbital in molecular chemistry
LASER	Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation	Technology producing focused light beam
LUMO	Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital	Orbital in molecular chemistry
mRNA	Messenger RNA	RNA carrying genetic instructions from DNA to ribosomes
NAD+	Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide	Coenzyme in cellular respiration
NADH	Reduced NAD+	Carrier molecule in energy production
NADP+	Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate	Coenzyme in photosynthesis
NaCl	Sodium Chloride	Table salt
NH3	Ammonia	Nitrogen compound; pungent gas
N2	Nitrogen Gas	Main element in air (78%)
O2	Oxygen Gas	Essential for respiration; 21% of air
O3	Ozone	Gas form of oxygen; absorbs UV rays
PCR	Polymerase Chain Reaction	DNA amplification technique
pH	Power of Hydrogen	Measure of acidity (0-14 scale; 7=neutral)
RNA	Ribonucleic Acid	Genetic material carrying DNA instructions
rRNA	Ribosomal RNA	RNA in ribosomes (site of protein synthesis)
tRNA	Transfer RNA	RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes
Sn	Tin	Chemical element (symbol Sn from Latin "stannum")

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

A: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) stores genetic information permanently. RNA (ribonucleic acid) carries DNA instructions for protein synthesis. DNA is double-stranded, RNA is single-stranded.

Q: What is ATP and why is it important?

A: ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the energy currency of cells. It stores and provides energy for all cellular activities. When ATP releases energy, it becomes ADP.

Q: What does pH measure?

A: pH measures how acidic or basic a substance is (0-14 scale). 0-7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, 7-14 is basic. Each number represents 10x difference in acidity.

Q: What is LASER used for?

A: LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) produces focused light beams used in: surgery, cutting materials, CD/DVD players, barcode scanners, and pointers.

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