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Genetics Essay

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Genetics Essay

Genetics is the science of heredity. Genetics are important to all living things because it is their genes and shows what they look like and how they act. Biological traits are stored in DNA and can be passed on to successive generations through meiosis, which increases genetic variability.

DNA stores and transmits genetic information to the next generation. The structure of DNA is double stacked and double helix. Genetic information is stored is stored in DNA chromosomes in 23 pairs. DNA transmits information to the next generation through cellular division.

Meiosis increases reproductive variability through crossing-over. Meiosis is the reproduction of gametes (sex cells). Crossing-over is the exchange of chromosomal segments between a pair of homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis. Crossing-over helps variability in cells because it makes the cell different and more adaptable to new or different environments.

DNA alternations such as insertions, deletions, and substitutions can cause the appearance of new traits. Insertions are pieces or a piece of DNA copied too many times. Deletions are pieces or a piece of DNA code for one gene is lost. Substitutions change one base for another. These 3 alternations cause new traits to appear by making too many or not enough DNA.

Sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction both have advantages and disadvantages. 2 advantages of sexual reproduction are that the offspring is not identical in looks and DNA. Another advantage is that the offspring is more adaptable to different climates and/or resources. 2 disadvantages to sexual reproduction are that there has to be 2 parents. Another disadvantages are that the parent can only reproduce so many offspring at 1 time. 2 advantages to asexual reproduction are that it only takes 1 parent. Another advantage is that the parent reproduces

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