DNA and its molecular cousin, RNA, are known as nucleic acids.
• This term is derived from the discovery of DNA by Friedrich Miescher in 1869. He identified a novel phosphorus-containing substance from the nuclei of white blood cells found in waste surgical bandages. He named this substance nuclein.
• As the structure of DNA and RNA became better understood, it was found they are acidic molecules, which means they release hydrogen ions (H+) in solution and
have a net negative charge at neutral pH. Thus, the name nucleic acid was coined.