Question

he continuity of life is based on heritable information in the form of DNA. In a short essay (100–150 words), explain how the passage of genes from parents to offspring, in the form of particular alleles, ensures perpetuation of parental traits in offspring and, at the same time, genetic variation among offspring. Use genetic terms in your explanation.

Answer 1

Answer:

The organisms use DNA as the genetic (contains code of life) as well as heredity (transferred to progeny) material.

DNA is packaged into a highly condensed structure called chromosome which gets passed on to progeny through male and female gametes. The formation of the gametes involves meiosis which introduces recombination of the sequence of the DNA.  

The chromosomes contain a sequence of DNA called genes which codes for a particular trait of organisms. These genes control a trait when they receive the complementary form of the gene from another chromosome.  

When the gametes fuse then both the gametes contribute half of their chromosomes and make a complete set of chromosomes. Thus, the continuity of life is controlled by heredity material.