Explain the Process of Genetic Transmission

Genes determine physical characteristics, such as fur color.

Genetic transmission is the process by which small segments of DNA that encode certain physical characteristics are transmitted from one generation to the next.

Protein Expression

Sections of DNA called genes produce code for particular amino acids to be assembled in an order that will create a protein. A combination of proteins then causes an individual to grow in a particular way, have certain physical characteristics or a certain metabolic pathway, for example.

Meiosis

In animals and many kinds of plants, genes are transmitted from one generation to the next by means of sexual reproduction, which involves the recombination of genes with every generation. Reproductive cells undergo meiosis, a process in which the genetic material of one cell is divided in two and forms the core of two reproductive cells.

Reproduction

When a male and a female reproductive cell meet, each carrying half the parent's genetic material, the two cells fuse and the genetic material of the two parents join together to create a new individual. The new individual will have genes from both parents, but the combination will cause the individual to be genetically distinct from previous generations.

References

• Dictionary: Gene
• Estrella Mountain Community College: Intro to Genetics
• Encyclopedia: Genes