Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 4 - Section 4.4 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 137: 1

Answer

Heredity refers to the passing on of genetic information and traits from one generation to the next in living organisms, primarily through the transmission of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). It is the mechanism by which offspring inherit genetic material, including characteristics and traits, from their parents. Heredity plays a fundamental role in determining an organism's biological makeup, including its physical attributes, susceptibility to certain diseases, and other genetic features. The basic unit of heredity is the gene, which is a segment of DNA that contains instructions for building specific proteins or performing particular functions within the cell. Genes come in pairs, with one copy inherited from each parent. The combination of genes an individual inherits determines their genotype, which is the genetic blueprint for their potential traits. Heredity is responsible for the similarities and differences observed within families and among different species. It is also a crucial concept in the field of genetics, as it underlies the study of inheritance patterns, genetic disorders, and the transmission of traits over generations. In summary, heredity encompasses the transfer of genetic information and traits from parents to offspring through DNA, shaping an individual's genetic makeup and influencing their characteristics and biological inheritance.

Work Step by Step

Heredity refers to the passing on of genetic information and traits from one generation to the next in living organisms, primarily through the transmission of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). It is the mechanism by which offspring inherit genetic material, including characteristics and traits, from their parents. Heredity plays a fundamental role in determining an organism's biological makeup, including its physical attributes, susceptibility to certain diseases, and other genetic features. The basic unit of heredity is the gene, which is a segment of DNA that contains instructions for building specific proteins or performing particular functions within the cell. Genes come in pairs, with one copy inherited from each parent. The combination of genes an individual inherits determines their genotype, which is the genetic blueprint for their potential traits. Heredity is responsible for the similarities and differences observed within families and among different species. It is also a crucial concept in the field of genetics, as it underlies the study of inheritance patterns, genetic disorders, and the transmission of traits over generations. In summary, heredity encompasses the transfer of genetic information and traits from parents to offspring through DNA, shaping an individual's genetic makeup and influencing their characteristics and biological inheritance.
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