Question

Define heredity explain the mechanism of hereditary changes

Answer 1

Heredity:  The process of transfer of traits from parents to the progeny is referred to as heredity.  

The transfer of physical and mental characters may take place either through asexual reproduction or sexual reproduction.

The progeny acquire the genetic code of information or DNA of their parents.  

Variations because of heredity between individuals can cause species to evolve by natural selection.  

Mechanisms:

• Mating: The process where the union of the male germ cell spermatozoa with the female ovum takes place.
• Growth: The process of repeated division of the zygote.
• Chromosomes: The formation of nucleus which carries elementary traits are called as chromosomes.
• Gene: The development of a structure that is responsible for the development of a trait.
• Chance factor: Only 24 of 48 chromosomes of the sperm or the ovary will form the progeny.