Our body has a complex system with bones, flesh, blood, neurons, etc. Reproduction is an important aspect of the survival of the species. It not only helps to maintain life continuity but also helps to produce uniqueness in the beings. So, why is DNA replication critical? You must have heard people saying that the baby is like his father or mother. His face may resemble that of his father and the eyes of his mother. But how is this all possible? You would be wondering and thinking about what is the root cause behind it, and why is DNA replication necessary. Let us find this all out and learn why is DNA replication important.
1. What is DNA and its Importance?
- DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid.
- It is a kind of long polymer of a deoxyribonucleotide. Its length is equal to the number of nucleotides present in the organism.
- It is of double helix structure, which can be roughly calculated by measuring the total no. of base pairs with the distance between two consecutive base pairs.
- It’s less reactive as compared to ribonucleic acid.
- The structurally stable polymer is essential for the storage of genetic information. (See How many Types of Cells are There in The Human Body?)
2. What is the Role of DNA in Modern Science?
In modern science and technology, DNA is used for DNA fingerprinting. It is used to solve various crime mysteries. This is why is DNA replication critical. The DNA is isolated from samples by centrifugation process. After this process, the amplification of DNA by restricting the enzyme takes place. Then, fragments are separated by gel electrophoresis. Then, hybridization and southern blotting are done to find the fingerprinting. (See What is Biomedical Engineering?)
3. What is DNA Replication?
The replication is making a double copy of the exact product. The single-stranded DNA can’t be able to store the genetic material and carry on the process of reproduction properly. The DNA is so replicated to make it double for storing genetic information. (See What are Properties in Science?)
4. What are the Steps of DNA Replication Process?
Photo by Sangharsh Lohakare on UnsplashThe four main steps in DNA replication are:
- The opening of the double structure of DNA, which is helix in shape.
- Then, the DNA strands are separated, the 3’-5’ strand is continuous, and 5’-3’ is discontinuous.
- The priming of template strands takes place.
- Then, the segments are assembled, and the replication is done. (Also read When and How do Body Systems Work together?)
5. What is the Result of DNA Replication?
Two DNA molecules having one new and one old nucleotide chain is the final result of the replication process. This is why is DNA replication critical. (See What are Examples of Living Things?)
6. Why is DNA Replication Necessary before Each Cell Division? Why is DNA Replication Important for Mitosis?
Why is DNA replication critical? When a cell divides, the parents’ genetic material is equally divided among two daughter cells. So, it becomes important to have equal and exact two DNA molecules to transfer the genetic information.
Why is DNA replication necessary is because it helps to transfer the genetic material. It does not mean to give or send it away but to transfer a copy of it that the replication process could only produce. (See Why you Can’t get Fully Hard?)
7. Why is DNA Replication Important to the Growth and Development of a Multi-Cellular Organism?
It is to ensure the equal and exact copies of DNA to have the infant with proper genetic material, and it would also reproduce in the future. This will help to maintain the continuity of life on Earth. This way the replicated DNA will help in the division of the DNA in two daughter cells which is important for the growth and development of the organism’s body. (See Where do Animals get Nitrogen from?)
8. What would happen without DNA Replication?
The cell cycle is very important for the process of reproduction. At the synthesis phase of the cell cycle, DNA replication takes place, which will help in the equal distribution of the genetic material. If the DNA is not replicated, further cell division will not occur. This will ultimately hamper the process of fetus production. (See What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual Reproduction?)
