DNA is, as it were, especially unalive. It is among the most nonreactive, chemically inert molecules in the living world
In "A Short History of Nearly Everything," Bill Bryson describes DNA as a particularly inactive and stable molecule, highlighting its nonreactive nature within the biological context. It stands out as one of the most chemically inert substances in living organisms, which is vital for its role in heredity and the preservation of genetic information over time.
This stability is essential for the integrity of life, allowing DNA to maintain its structure and function across generations. Bryson's observation underscores the fascinating paradox of DNA being a carrier of life while simultaneously being remarkably unreactive, illustrating the complexity of the molecular mechanisms that sustain living organisms.
