Question

An organism's heredity is encoded in (a) DNA; (b) ATP; (c) lipids.

Short answer

The answer is (a) DNA, as it encodes an organism's heredity.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question is asking us to identify the molecule that encodes an organism's genetic information, also known as heredity.

Identify Key Terminology

In the context of biology, "heredity" refers to the passing on of physical or genetic characteristics from one generation to the next.

Analyze the Options

Let's analyze each option: (a) DNA, (b) ATP, and (c) lipids. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid and is known to carry genetic information. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is an energy carrier in cells. Lipids are fats and play roles like energy storage and forming cell membranes.

Selecting the Best Option

DNA is the molecule responsible for encoding genetic information as it contains the instructions needed for an organism to develop, survive, and reproduce. ATP and lipids do not serve this purpose.

Key concepts

Heredity

Heredity is a fascinating concept in biology that deals with how traits and characteristics are passed down from one generation to another. This concept explains why children often resemble their parents or grandparents. Heredity involves the transmission of genetic information, which influences physical attributes such as eye color, hair type, and even certain behavioral traits. These inherited traits are determined by genes, which are segments of DNA found on chromosomes.

In essence, heredity is the mechanism through which life's continuity is maintained. The random assortment of genes from both parents results in a unique combination that defines every living organism. Understanding heredity can help in predicting certain genetic conditions and can also be applied in fields like agriculture to enhance crop varieties.

• Genes determine the inherited characteristics.
• Each parent contributes one of two possible copies of each gene.
• Heredity maintains genetic diversity in a population.

DNA

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in all known living organisms. It's often likened to a blueprint, as it contains the instructions necessary for building and maintaining an organism. DNA is a double helix, formed by pairs of four types of nucleotides: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These bases pair in a specific way, with adenine pairing only with thymine and cytosine with guanine, ensuring the reliable replication of DNA.

DNA is organized into chromosomes and contains thousands of genes. Each gene resides at a specific location on the chromosome and encodes specific proteins that are responsible for particular functions or traits. This incredible molecule not only determines an organism's development from a single cell into a complex living entity but also orchestrates the ongoing repair and function of cells.

• DNA contains all the hereditary information needed for life.
• The sequence of bases in DNA constitutes the genetic code.
• DNA replication is crucial for cell division and reproduction.

Genetic Information

Genetic information is what makes every living organism on Earth unique. This information is carried by DNA within the nucleus of cells and includes instructions for the synthesis of proteins, which are vital for life. Genetic information is encoded in the sequence of nucleotide bases in DNA and is translated into proteins in a two-step process called transcription and translation.

The entirety of an organism's genetic material is known as its genome. Deciphering genetic information has been a primary goal of geneticists, and with advances in technology, they have been able to map entire genomes, leading to significant breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and forensics. By studying genetic information, scientists can identify genes responsible for certain diseases and develop targeted treatments or preventative measures.

• Genetic information dictates the traits of an organism.
• This information is translated into proteins.
• Understanding genomes has vast applications in various scientific fields.