___________is the transmission of DNA to offspring. a. Reproduction c. Homeostasis b. Development d. Inheritance
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct answer: d. Inheritance
Explanation:
Inheritance is the biological process through which genetic information (DNA) is passed from parents to their offspring. This transmission occurs during reproduction, ensuring that traits—such as eye color, height, blood type, and susceptibility to certain diseases—are passed down through generations. The mechanism of inheritance was first studied scientifically by Gregor Mendel, who discovered that traits are inherited in predictable patterns.
At the core of inheritance is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which contains genes—the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. Each parent contributes half of their genetic material to their offspring. In sexually reproducing organisms like humans, this happens through the fusion of a sperm cell and an egg cell, each containing half the usual number of chromosomes (haploid), forming a zygote with a full set (diploid).
Genes are located on chromosomes, and every individual inherits one set of chromosomes from each parent. This is why children may resemble their parents in appearance or behavior. However, due to genetic recombination and mutation, each individual also has unique genetic traits.
It is important to distinguish inheritance from other biological terms:
- Reproduction (option a) is the process that creates new organisms, but inheritance is specifically the genetic aspect of what is passed during reproduction.
- Development (option b) refers to the physical and biological changes an organism undergoes throughout its life.
- Homeostasis (option c) is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment.
In summary, inheritance is the correct term that describes the transmission of DNA—and therefore traits—from parents to offspring. This process is fundamental to the continuity of life and explains both the similarity and diversity seen across living organisms.