Question

DNA copies generated during reproduction will be similar but may not be identical. Justify the statement.

Answer 1

The DNA copying mechanism, also called the DNA replication process, is highly precise, but they are not completely accurate. Each time the DNA is copied, some changes or mistakes might take place in the formation of the new DNA strand. These mistakes account for the variations that occur amongst the individuals in a population. In sexual reproduction, these changes increase in the rate of occurrence due to the involvement of two individuals with different patterns of accumulation of variations. The variations hence created, are unique in nature. Thus, the DNA copies generated are similar, but not identical to the original.