The Physical Basis of Heredity

The physical basis of heredity lies in DNA, the molecule that carries genetic information in all living organisms. DNA is made up of sequences of nucleotides, which act as instructions for building proteins that determine traits and characteristics. During reproduction, genes—specific segments of DNA—are passed from parents to offspring, allowing traits to be inherited. This process ensures that offspring resemble their parents while also allowing for variation, which is essential for evolution. Essentially, DNA serves as a blueprint for life, encoding the information necessary for the growth, development, and functioning of an organism.