What is DNA copying? State its importance.
What is DNA copying? State its importance.
Official answer
What is DNA Copying?
DNA copying is the biochemical process by which a reproducing cell makes duplicate copies of its Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) molecules before cell division. Cells use chemical reactions to build these copies so that genetic information can be passed on to the next generation.
Importance of DNA Copying:
- Transmission of Blueprints: DNA is the primary information source for making proteins in a cell. Copying ensures that the body design blueprints are accurately transferred from parents to offspring.
- Maintenance of Cellular Apparatus: DNA copying is accompanied by the creation of an additional cellular apparatus. This ensures that when the cell divides, each separated DNA copy has a functioning cellular structure to sustain life processes.
- Source of Variation: Since no biochemical reaction is reliable, DNA copying naturally introduces subtle variations. These variations are crucial for the survival of species during environmental changes and form the basis of evolution.
Marking scheme
- 1.1 mark for defining DNA copying as the biochemical replication of DNA molecules.
- 2.1 mark for explaining the transmission of genetic blueprints and the creation of the cellular apparatus.
- 3.1 mark for explaining how DNA copying introduces variations essential for species survival and evolution.
Hint
Recall that DNA is the blueprint for proteins. Think about what would happen to a cell if it had DNA but no cellular machinery, and how copying errors lead to diversity.
Quick oral answer
DNA copying is the replication of genetic material before cell division. It is important because it transfers body design blueprints to offspring, creates the necessary cellular machinery for the new cell, and introduces variations necessary for evolution.
Common mistakes
- 1.Writing that DNA copying is accurate, which would prevent any variation.
- 2.Forgetting to mention that DNA copying must be accompanied by the creation of an additional cellular apparatus.
Analysis and explanation
During reproduction, the cell must replicate its genetic material (DNA) so that both daughter cells receive a complete set of instructions. However, simply pushing a copy of DNA out of the cell would not work because it lacks the cellular machinery (like mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.) to survive. Therefore, DNA copying is always accompanied by the creation of a new cellular apparatus. Minor inaccuracies during this chemical replication process lead to variations, which are essential for natural selection and evolution.
Interesting facts
If the variations introduced during DNA copying are too drastic, the newborn cell cannot work with the inherited cellular apparatus and simply dies.
Question details
Q11 of 36 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2015
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 3
- Type
- Short Answer
- Chapter
- How do Organisms Reproduce?
- Topic
- Do Organisms Create Exact Copies of Themselves?
- Bloom's level
- Understanding
- Syllabus topic
- DNA Copying and Importance of Variation
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Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2015?
This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "How do Organisms Reproduce?" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Do Organisms Create Exact Copies of Themselves?" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper.