Chapter 24, Problem 1P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The term heredity is to be explained.

Concept introduction:Heredity or inheritance is the transmission of traits from generation to generation.

Answer to Problem 1P

The transfer of characteristics, anatomical as well as biochemical from parents to the offspring is through heredity. The study of heredity is called genetics.

Explanation of Solution

All living organisms inherit the genetic information specifying their structure and function from their parents. In 1940, scientist made it clear that out of all the material in the nucleus of a cell, only a nucleic acid said to be deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) carries the hereditary information. The region of the DNA that encodes a particular function is known as gene. The genes carry the information that determines the traits, thus are also known as working subunits of DNA. The genes are located inside the chromosomes. Thus, by asexual or sexual reproduction, as the genetic material passes from parents to child, the chromosomes are responsible for containing the genetic information.

Conclusion

The transmission of information that determines the external characteristics and the internal characteristics from parent to the offspring is known as heredity or inheritance. Hereditary traits are determined by genes.