In: Biology
Describe the structures involved in passing hereditary information from one generation to the next. (Please use the terms below in your answer)
DNA
RNA
Generation
Circular chromosomes
Linear chromosomes
Plasmids
Prokaryote, eukaryote
Genome is the the amount of DNA present in a cell at a given time period. DNA in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes can be chromosomal DNA or extrachromosomal DNA.
Chromosomal DNA is the one which is present in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in nucleoid of prokaryotes. It is the most important form of DNA which is essential to the survival of the organism. It contains genes which encode proteins which are the actual players of gene expression. These proteins are crucial to the life of the organisms. The chromosomal DNA is linear double stranded molecule of DNA. In case of eukaryotes, it is associated with histone proteins and in case of prokaryotes no histone proteins are present.
Extrachromosomal DNA in case of eukaryotes is present in mitochondria and chloroplast whereas in prokaryotes it is plasmid. This type of DNA is double stranded circular molecule of DNA. This is not important for the survival of the organism but conferrs unique characteristics to it. For example, plasmid in case of prokaryotes confer it the ability to degrade pollutants and live in the presence of antibiotics.
DNA cannot function alone to carry out gene expression. Therefore it undergoes transcription to form RNA which further undergoes translation to form proteins. Proteins are the ultimate players of the expression which are responsible for carrying out all the cellular activities.
The passing of hereditary information from one generation to another occurs by the transmission of DNA. But the DNA is not 100% transferred as it is from one generation to another. It undergoes some variations during gamete formation which are responsible for the differences between progenies of same parent and also between progenies and parent.
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