Chapter 7 Overview

The fundamental biological process of reproduction requires the faithful transmission of genetic information from parent to offspring. Thus, the accurate replication of genomic DNA is essential to the lives of all cells and organisms. Each time a cell divides, its entire genome must be duplicated, and complex enzymatic machinery is required to copy the large DNA molecules that make up both prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes. In addition, cells have evolved mechanisms to correct mistakes that occur during DNA replication and to repair DNA damage that can result from the action of environmental agents, such as radiation. Abnormalities in these processes result in a failure of accurate replication and maintenance of genomic DNA-a failure that can have disastrous consequences, such as the development of cancer.

Despite the importance of accurate DNA replication and maintenance, cell genomes are far from static. In order for species to evolve, mutations and gene rearrangements are needed to maintain genetic variation between individuals. In addition, some DNA rearrangements are programmed to regulate gene expression during the differentiation and development of individual cells and organisms. In humans, a prominent example is the rearrangement of antibody genes during development of the immune system. A careful balance between maintenance and variation of genetic information is thus critical to the development of individual organisms as well as the evolution of a species.