Question

l.8.2.a formative 1
which statement best explains the role of dna in sexual and asexual reproduction?
dna contains instructions for development and reproduction and is passed from parent(s) to offspring.
dna is only found in reproductive cells and controls how fast an organism grows.
dna is created after an organism is born and determines where it lives.
dna is found only in sexually reproducing organisms and controls behavior.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: DNA holds genetic instructions for development and reproduction, and is inherited from parent(s) to offspring in both sexual (e.g., via gametes) and asexual (e.g., via mitosis in cloning) reproduction. This matches the role of DNA.
• Option 2: DNA is in all cells (not just reproductive), and it doesn't primarily control growth speed (growth is regulated by multiple factors including genes and environment, but DNA's main role here is not growth speed control). Eliminate.
• Option 3: DNA is inherited (present from conception, not created after birth) and doesn't determine an organism's habitat (habitat is environmental/ecological, not DNA - driven). Eliminate.
• Option 4: DNA is present in asexually reproducing organisms (e.g., bacteria, plants that clone) and doesn't control behavior (behavior is complex, influenced by genes, environment, and neural systems; DNA's main role isn't behavior control). Eliminate.

Answer:

A. DNA contains instructions for development and reproduction and is passed from parent(s) to offspring.