Extracellular DNA refers to DNA that is found outside of cells, usually in bodily fluids or in the environment. This extracellular DNA can come from a variety of sources, including cell death, secretion, or release from cells. Research in this area focuses on understanding the roles and functions of extracellular DNA in various biological processes, such as inflammation, immunity, and the spread of genetic material between organisms. Additionally, extracellular DNA has shown potential as a biomarker for various diseases and conditions, making it a topic of interest in the fields of medicine and molecular biology.