DNA molecules are packaged into chromosomes.A human cell must duplicate about 2 m of DNA and separate the two copies such that each daughter cell ends up with a complete genome.In eukaryotes, the genome consists of several DNA molecules.
![biological science freeman coursenotes biological science freeman coursenotes](https://s1.studyres.com/store/data/002687055_1-09d2c0eae825962d95c206216d27c761-300x300.png)
In prokaryotes, the genome is often a single long DNA molecule.A cell’s genetic information, packaged as DNA, is called its genome.A dividing cell duplicates its DNA, allocates the two copies to opposite ends of the cell, and then splits into two daughter cells.What is remarkable is the fidelity with which DNA is passed along, without dilution, from one generation to the next.
![biological science freeman coursenotes biological science freeman coursenotes](https://s3.amazonaws.com/si.question.images/book_images/631c4f78eae0a_15402.jpg)
![biological science freeman coursenotes biological science freeman coursenotes](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/03/b3/3f/03b33f208a9e8d77978a06b09a50cfa2.png)
This includes organisms that can grow by cuttings.Cell division on a larger scale can produce progeny for some multicellular organisms.The division of a unicellular organism reproduces an entire organism, increasing the population.The continuity of life is based on the reproduction of cells, or cell division.Ĭell division functions in reproduction, growth, and repair.The ability of organisms to reproduce their kind is the one characteristic that best distinguishes living things from nonliving matter.