2007-02-24 12:23:26 · 9 answers · asked by brandys_peep 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The DNA in an individual organism does not develop. The organism is born with a set of DNA, and this does not develop in its lifetime.
In the case of single-celled organisms (like bacteria, or amoebas) the DNA can change due to a mutation, and when it divides, both daughter cells will inherit that mutation. However, mutation would not be considered "developing" DNA.
In the case of multi-celled organisms (like plants and animals), the organism will die with the same DNA it was born with. The DNA does not develop. However, offspring may get different DNA than the parents, either because of mutation, or because of sexual reproduction with another individual, or both.
2007-02-24 12:40:32 · answer #1 · answered by secretsauce 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a new life is created, two halves of DNA form one completely new full strand. In order to grow from a single cell, that cell must divide, and those divide, so on and so on, until you have a complete being. Each time the cell divides, it must make another copy of the DNA. This process is very accurate, and for the most part, every cell in your body has a copy of that exact same DNA. It is not always accurate though. Sometimes there are errors made. Our DNA is full of pieces that don't code for anything, so changes in those parts aren't noticed. Sometimes the error is in a piece that particular cell doesn't need, or it results in the death of the cell. When an improbably mistake occurs in an unlikely place, it can disrupt the cells basic mechanism, causing it to reproduce at an out of control rate. This causes cancer. Many things in our environment can lead to an increased chance of these mutations happening.
One other important thing to note, if the change occurs in, for example, a lung cell, causing a tumor, there is no corresponding change in the sex cells, sperm or egg. Therefore, this change would not be passed on to future offspring.
2007-02-24 22:11:08 · answer #2 · answered by lizettadf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DNA is something that is passed down from past generations. When we are created, we have a set of DNA that helps us inherit the traits that we got.
From what I've read from my biology textbook, there is still alot to learn about DNA, but DNA is a formula specifically for an individual and is made up of LONG chains. There are millions of genetic code that we all have.
Does it continue to develop healthfully on its own? Its not set in stone. Its a hypothesis.So really for now, till its proven incorrect, no one knows.But if someone gets something like HIV, then its a different story.those would be defective cells that insert their own DNA code into someone elses, causing havoc in a persons body. But try www.ask.com. They may have additional information about DNA there. I went there for my chemistry class and it helped me out.
Good luck and I hope that you can get an A+!
2007-02-24 21:15:47 · answer #3 · answered by tropikanagirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every living thing has it's own DNA. DNA is like the blueprint for the living creature. It does not develop or change as the creature lives. The DNA that you had when you were born is the same DNA that exists in every living cell of your body today.
2007-02-24 20:31:51 · answer #4 · answered by ltcarvell 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Within a single organism, the DNA they are born with is all they will have for their entire lives. DNA mutations (change) takes place only during the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) as well as during the combination of these to produce a diploid baby.
2007-02-24 20:31:40 · answer #5 · answered by alexgonyaw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By in large, particularly for higher-order organisms, we get a full set of genes when we're born and survive perfectly well on that. However, there are cases where that's not so. One of the better known (and more worrisome) instances can be found in microbial ecology. Many bacteria will exchange plasmids--small loops of DNA which happen to carry genes of their own--that confer characteristics between bacteria. This is referred to as "Horizontal Gene Transfer", and is how microbes can quickly acquire characteristics like multiple antibiotic resistance.
2007-02-24 20:48:15 · answer #6 · answered by Ralph S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are born with your dna... dna does not develop, the closest it gets to change is mutations that uccur, (by the way those are usually harmfull and end with the organism that has it because they are unable to live and or reproduce)
2007-02-24 20:31:24 · answer #7 · answered by may 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DNA is determined while the living thing is in the womb/egg
2007-02-24 20:31:00 · answer #8 · answered by Kelly Taylor 49 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are created with all your DNA...it never changes and it's always the same once you are created and an embryo.
2007-02-24 20:31:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋