HEREDITY
- Heredity is the process of passing down
traits and characteristics from parents
to their offspring through genes.
VARIATION
- The small differences in characters or
traits among individuals of the same
species are called variations.
- Variations arise during reproduction
due to errors in DNA copying and sexual
reproduction (mixing of genetic
material from two parents).
- Asexual reproduction → produces very
little variation.
- Sexual reproduction → creates
maximum variations due to mixing of
genetic material.
IMPORTANCE OF VARIATION:
, - Variations provide differences among
individuals of the same species.
- They help organisms to adapt to
changing environmental conditions.
- Some variations offer a survival
advantage (e.g., resistance to disease,
ability to survive in extreme conditions).
- They ensure the continuity of species by
enabling some individuals to survive
even if others perish.
Some important terms to understand
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): DNA is
a double stranded, thread-like molecule
present in the nucleus. It carries the
genetic information needed for the
growth, development, and functioning
of an organism.
- Chromatin: is a combination of DNA
and proteins found in the nucleus.
During cell division, chromatin
condenses to form chromosomes.
- Heredity is the process of passing down
traits and characteristics from parents
to their offspring through genes.
VARIATION
- The small differences in characters or
traits among individuals of the same
species are called variations.
- Variations arise during reproduction
due to errors in DNA copying and sexual
reproduction (mixing of genetic
material from two parents).
- Asexual reproduction → produces very
little variation.
- Sexual reproduction → creates
maximum variations due to mixing of
genetic material.
IMPORTANCE OF VARIATION:
, - Variations provide differences among
individuals of the same species.
- They help organisms to adapt to
changing environmental conditions.
- Some variations offer a survival
advantage (e.g., resistance to disease,
ability to survive in extreme conditions).
- They ensure the continuity of species by
enabling some individuals to survive
even if others perish.
Some important terms to understand
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): DNA is
a double stranded, thread-like molecule
present in the nucleus. It carries the
genetic information needed for the
growth, development, and functioning
of an organism.
- Chromatin: is a combination of DNA
and proteins found in the nucleus.
During cell division, chromatin
condenses to form chromosomes.
