Stuff in strands (3)

I believe the answer is:

dna

(Other definitions for dna that I've seen before include "Deoxyribonucleic acid (abbreviation)" , "Genetic profile" , "Substance that stores genetic information - often used by police" , "Genetic material often used by police" , "Genetic code" .)

I've seen this clue in The Wall Street Journal.

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