Answer
Every generation of cells must synthesize new DNA even though the chromosome number remains constant from generation to generation for several important reasons:
1. DNA Replication: Before a cell divides, it needs to replicate its DNA so that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. DNA replication ensures that the genetic information is faithfully passed from one generation of cells to the next.
2. Growth and Development: During the growth and development of an organism, cells need to divide and increase in number. Each new cell produced through cell division requires a full set of DNA. Without DNA replication, the organism would not be able to grow and develop properly.
3. Repair and Maintenance: Cells continually undergo damage due to various factors, including exposure to environmental toxins, radiation, and metabolic processes. DNA can also experience mutations over time. To maintain the integrity of the genetic information and repair damaged or mutated DNA, cells need the ability to synthesize new DNA.
4. Response to Environmental Changes: Cells may encounter changes in their environment that require them to adapt by altering their gene expression. Synthesizing new DNA allows cells to modify their genetic information in response to these changes, enabling them to better adapt to new conditions.
5. Reproduction: In multicellular organisms, the process of reproduction involves the creation of new organisms from a single cell, such as a fertilized egg. This requires the synthesis of new DNA to provide the genetic material for the offspring.
6. Genetic Diversity: While the chromosome number remains constant, genetic diversity is maintained through processes like recombination and mutation. These processes can introduce variations in the DNA sequence, which is essential for evolution and adaptation.
In summary, DNA replication is a fundamental process that ensures the accurate transmission of genetic information from one generation of cells to the next, allowing for growth, development, repair, adaptation, and the maintenance of genetic diversity in organisms.
Work Step by Step
Every generation of cells must synthesize new DNA even though the chromosome number remains constant from generation to generation for several important reasons:
1. DNA Replication: Before a cell divides, it needs to replicate its DNA so that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. DNA replication ensures that the genetic information is faithfully passed from one generation of cells to the next.
2. Growth and Development: During the growth and development of an organism, cells need to divide and increase in number. Each new cell produced through cell division requires a full set of DNA. Without DNA replication, the organism would not be able to grow and develop properly.
3. Repair and Maintenance: Cells continually undergo damage due to various factors, including exposure to environmental toxins, radiation, and metabolic processes. DNA can also experience mutations over time. To maintain the integrity of the genetic information and repair damaged or mutated DNA, cells need the ability to synthesize new DNA.
4. Response to Environmental Changes: Cells may encounter changes in their environment that require them to adapt by altering their gene expression. Synthesizing new DNA allows cells to modify their genetic information in response to these changes, enabling them to better adapt to new conditions.
5. Reproduction: In multicellular organisms, the process of reproduction involves the creation of new organisms from a single cell, such as a fertilized egg. This requires the synthesis of new DNA to provide the genetic material for the offspring.
6. Genetic Diversity: While the chromosome number remains constant, genetic diversity is maintained through processes like recombination and mutation. These processes can introduce variations in the DNA sequence, which is essential for evolution and adaptation.
In summary, DNA replication is a fundamental process that ensures the accurate transmission of genetic information from one generation of cells to the next, allowing for growth, development, repair, adaptation, and the maintenance of genetic diversity in organisms.
