DNA as Genetic Material

The genetic material must perform three essential functions:

• The genotypic function (replication): The genetic material must store genetic information and accurately transmit that information from parents to offspring, generation after generation.
• The phenotypic function, gene expression: The genetic material must control the development of the phenotype of the organism. That is, the genetic material must dictate the growth of the organism from the single-celled zygote to the mature adult.
• The evolutionary function, mutation: The genetic material must undergo changes to produce variations that allow organisms to adapt to modifications in the environment so that evolution can occur