Question

Why is DNA copying an essential part of the process of reproduction?

Answer 1

Hint: We know that for an organism to reproduce offspring of its kind, the DNAs of offspring and parents must be similar.

Complete answer:
We call the process where there is the formation of two identical copies of a DNA molecule inside a reproduction cell as the copying of DNA. The carriers of the genetic information are the DNAs. The DNA replication process helps the organisms to make additional copies of DNA. These additional copies of DNA will be transferred to the offspring.

These DNA copies will contain the characteristics of both the parents (father and mother). As a result, it helps in the transfer of information from the parent to offspring. This is the reason that we can see the offspring has similar traits of the parent. We call this as heredity.

If there is any change in the DNA, that is if there is DNA mutation, we can observe the offspring are born with genetic abnormality or deformity.

Hence, we can understand that DNA copying is essential to pass on information from the parent and also to prevent any genetic abnormalities in the offspring.

Additional Information:
We must know that the mechanism of DNA copying will not only help in the transfer of information but also helps in generating variations which in turn will lead to the evolution of organisms. It is also the main key for cell protein production which controls the functions of living organisms.

Note: During sexual reproduction, the reproducing cells or germ cells have half the number of chromosomes and DNA. We must remember that the offspring will receive one copy of DNA from each parent. This mechanism of DNA replication helps in maintaining the constant amount of DNA in an individual.
If the DNA doubles during sexual reproduction, then each generation of offspring will have a double DNA amount as compared to the previous generation.