DNA copying and its importance
The DNA (Deoxyribo nucleic acid) molecules in the chromosomes in the nucleus is responsible for the transfer of characters from the parents to
the offspring. During reproduction the reproductive cells produce two copies of the DNA which separate into two cells. The DNA copies will be
similar but not identical to each other. So the new individuals have slight variations from their parents. This is the basis for variations and
evolution of new species.
[Link] is DNA copying? State its importance.
Ans- A process where a DNA molecule produces two similar copies of itself in a reproducing cell is called DNA copying.Its importance are:
(1)DNA copying makes the transmission of characters from parents to the next generation possible.
(2)DNA copying causes variation in the population.
[Link] is DNA copying an essential part of the process of reproduction?
Ans-DNA copying is an essential part of reproduction since it passes the genetic information from parents to their offspring. So, it determines the
body design of an individual.
Q3 (i)Write full form of DNA
(ii)State the role DNA in cell nucleus.
(iii)What is the effect after if the information of DNA is changed?
[Link] do organisms create exact copy of themselves?
The importance of variation
DNA copying during reproduction is important for maintaining the body designs of different organisms to survive in the existing environment. But
the environment is constantly changing due to changes in temperature, climate, water levels etc. If organisms cannot adjust themselves to the
changes in the environment then their species will become extinct. If there are variations in some individuals of a species they may be able to
survive the changes in the environment. So variations in species are necessary for the survival of different species and for the evolution of new
species.
Q1.“Variations” are seen in the [Link] the two main causes of variation.
Ans - Variations are caused by:
(1) Change in the genetic material i.e DNA at the time of DNA copying.
(2) Environmental factors such as light,temperature, nutrition, wind and water supply etc.
[Link] variation in relation to a species. Why is variation beneficial to the species?
OR
“Variation is essential and beneficial to a species”.Give reason
Ans - Variation means certain changes which occur in sexually reproducing organisms because of errors in DNA copying. If there were a
population of bacteria living in temperate waters, and if the water temperature were to be increased by global warming, most of these bacteria
would die, but the few variants resistant to heat would survive and grow further. Variation is thus useful for the survival of species over [Link]
this way variation is beneficial to the species.
Types of Reproduction
Difference between Asexual and Sexual Reproduction
Modes of Asexual Reproduction
(1) Fission (Asexual Reproduction by unicellular organism) :-
Fission is an asexual reproduction by which a unicellular organism divides and forms two or more new individuals.
● In Amoeba, the splitting of the two cells during division can take place in any plane.
● In Leishmania (which cause kala-azar), which have a whip-like structure at one end of the cell. In such organisms, binary
fission occurs in a definite orientation.
(2) Fragmentation (Asexual Reproduction by Multicellular organism)
In this method the body of a simple multicellular organism breaks up into smaller
pieces on maturation and each fragment develops into new individuals. Eg :- Spirogyra.
(3) Regeneration (Asexual Reproduction by Multicellular organism)
If the individual is somehow cut or broken up into many pieces, many of these pieces grow into
separate individuals is called Regeneration. Example Hydra and Planaria.
Regeneration Process in Planaria
If the individual is somehow cut or broken up into many pieces, many of these pieces grow into separate individuals, for example
Planaria, if their bodies get broken into many pieces, each piece is capable of re-growing into a complete individual.
Q1. ‘Regeneration is not reproduction ’.Justify this statement with reason.
Ans - When a piece is cut from an organism, it grows into complete organisms. Regeneration is carried out by specialized [Link] cells
increase in number very quickly and make large number of [Link] this mass of cells, different cells undergo changes to become various cell
types and tissue. It is not reproduction since most organisms would not be able to grow through pieces.
Q2. How is regeneration different from reproduction?
Regeneration is different from reproduction process because most of the organisms doesn’t required to be cut into pieces for reproducing new
generation
(4)Budding (Asexual Reproduction by Multicellular organism)
I n this method a bud is formed on the body of the organism. The bud then develops into a new individual. It then separates from the parent and
forms an independent individual. Eg:- Hydra
Budding in yeast (Asexual Reproduction by Unicellular organism)
(5)Vegetative propagation (Asexual Reproduction by Multicellular organism)
Method of producing new plants from the vegetative parts of the plant like root, stem or leaf is called Vegetative propagation.
Examples of vegetative propagation(Artificial Method)
1)Cutting:A piece of strem,root,leaf or even a bulb is paced partly under moist soil which grows into a new plant Eg, Rose
2)Layering: A part of the stem is pulled out and buried in the soil. The layered stem grows into a new plant Eg Pudina
3)Grafting: Two parts from two different plants are joined together so that they can uite and grow into a new pant [Link]
4)From leaf: In Bryophyllum buds grow in the notches along the leaf margin, when fall on the soil, develop into new plant.
5)From stem – potato, ginger.
Advantages of Vegetative propagation
1)Plants produce by vegetative propagation can bear flowers and fruits earlier.
2) Plants which have lost the ability to produce seeds can also reproduce by vegetative propagation.
3)All plants are genetically almost similar to the parent plant.
4) It makes possible propagation of plants which do not produce seeds like rose, jasmine banana etc.
(6)Spore Formation (Asexual Reproduction by Multicellular organism)
Rhizopus body is made up of thread like structures called hyphae (not reproductive part). The tiny blob-on-a-stick structures are involved in
reproduction. The blobs are called sporangia, which contain cells, or spores, that can eventually develop into new Rhizopus individuals. The
spores are covered by thick walls that protect them until they come into contact with another moist surface and can begin to grow.
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
Pollination
The process of transfer of pollen grains from anther to the stigma of the flower is called pollination.
There are two types of pollination-
(a)Self Pollination:-
1)The transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma of same flower or another flower of same plant.
2)External agent is not required in self pollination.
3)This does not help in producing new varieties.
(b)Cross Pollination:-
1)The transfer of pollen grains from anther of one flower to stigma of another flower of different plant..
2)External agent (such as wind, water or animals) is required for carrying pollen grains from anther to the stigma.
3)This help in producing new varieties.