Biology Regents Practice Exam

Before inherited instructions can be passed to offspring, what must occur?

1. They need to be moved into the nucleus.

2. They must be broken down into RNA.

3. They must be accurately replicated.

4. They need to be made into DNA molecules.

The correct answer is: They must be accurately replicated.

For inherited instructions to be passed to offspring, they must be accurately replicated. This process ensures that the genetic information contained within DNA is duplicated so that when gametes (sperm and eggs) are formed, each one carries a complete and accurate set of genetic instructions. During cell division, particularly in meiosis (which produces gametes), the DNA must undergo replication before the cells divide. This ensures that each resulting gamete receives the correct amount of genetic material, maintaining the integrity of the species' traits across generations. While DNA does reside within the nucleus, moving it there is not a prerequisite for inheritance since DNA is naturally located there. Similarly, breaking down DNA into RNA occurs during the process of transcription, but this is not directly related to the inheritance of genetic traits. Finally, DNA is already a molecular form of genetic instructions, so it does not need to be made into DNA molecules, as it inherently exists in that form before replication occurs. Accurate replication is essential to ensure that each organism has the right amount of functional genetic material to develop properly and pass on traits to the next generation.