Question

The continuity of life is based on heritable information in the form of DNA, and structure and function are correlated at all levels of biological organization. In a short essay (100-150words), describe how the structure of DNA is correlated with its role as the molecular basis of inheritance.

Short answer

The heritable information is transferred in the form of DNA. The data is present in the form of a sequence of nucleotides such as adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine. The transfer of DNA happens via the process of replication.

Step-by-step solution

Description of DNA

DNA is the primary genetic material that carries genetic information. DNA is the double-helical structure made of nucleotide bases such as adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine.

As per the base-pairing rules, the A binds with T, and C binds with G.

Explanation of function of DNA 

The main work of DNA is to carry the genetic information from the parent to the offspring. DNA undergoes the process of transcription to produce mRNA. m-RNA undergoes the process of translation to make proteins.

Structure of DNA and basis of inheritance

DNA undergoes the process of cell division in which DNA is replicated and transferred to the offspring. The genetic information is transferred from one organism to the other organism.

The nucleotides present in the DNA form the information that is transferred to the offspring and is the basis of inheritance that happens at the molecular level.

Hence, the information present in the DNA is transferred via the replication process to the other organism.