The Power of DNA: Unlocking the Secrets of Life
What is the role of DNA in living organisms?
1. Storage of genetic information
2. Transmission of genetic information
3. Expression of genetic information
4. All of the above
Choose the correct answer.
Answer:
4. All of the above
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, plays a fundamental role in living organisms as it serves as the storage, transmission, and expression of genetic information. The intricate structure of DNA carries the genetic instructions needed for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms.
First and foremost, DNA acts as a storage facility for genetic information. It stores the genetic instructions in the form of a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
Secondly, DNA is responsible for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. Through the processes of DNA replication and cell division, genetic information is passed down from parent to offspring with remarkable accuracy.
Lastly, DNA is crucial in the expression of genetic information. It serves as a template for the synthesis of RNA through transcription, which in turn leads to the production of proteins through translation. These proteins are essential for carrying out various functions within the cell and organism as a whole.
Therefore, the role of DNA in living organisms is multifaceted and essential, contributing to the very existence and diversity of life on Earth.