Chapter 9, Problem 1CONQ

What is the meaning of the term genetic material?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The meaning of term genetic material.

Introduction:

Genetics is the branch of biology which involves the study of genes, heredity and variation in an organism. Gregor Mendel and Augustinian Friar discovered genetics in the 19^th century. Gregor Mendel is known as the father of genetics.

Explanation of Solution

Genetic material is a material which determines the composition and traits of an organism. It is of two types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). In all higher living organism, the genetic material is DNA, however in some lower organisms like retrovirus, the genetic material is RNA.

DNA is a hereditary material found in all eukaryotic cell nuclei and also in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells. It is present in the nucleus of every cell. DNA stores genetic information, which passes from a parent to progeny, generation togeneration.

The structure of DNA was given by Watson and Francis Crick. It is a double helical structure, which contains antiparallel strands. RNA is a single-stranded structure, it cannot be considered as genetic material for the higher organisms because of its highly stable nature.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that genetic material play acritical role in the composition of a living organism.