Genetic information is central to life from "summary" of Making Sense of Life by Evelyn Fox KELLER,Evelyn Fox Keller
The fundamental idea that genetic information is central to life lies at the heart of our understanding of biology. It is through the transmission of this information from one generation to the next that living organisms are able to replicate and evolve. Genetic information is not only essential for the development and functioning of individual organisms, but it also plays a crucial role in shaping populations and entire species over time. At the molecular level, genetic information is encoded in the DNA molecules that make up our genes. These genes carry the instructions for building and maintaining the complex structures and processes that allow organisms to survive and reproduce. Through the processes of transcription and translation, the information stored in DNA is used to produce proteins, which are the building blocks of life. Genetic information is also responsible for the incredible diversity of life on Earth. It is through the process of genetic variation, resulting from mutations and genetic recombination, that new traits and characteristics arise in populations. This variation is the raw material upon which natural selection acts, driving the process of evolution and allowing species to adapt to changing environments. Furthermore, genetic information is not static, but dynamic and responsive to environmental cues. Through the mechanisms of gene regulation and epigenetics, organisms are able to adapt to their surroundings and fine-tune their gene expression to meet changing needs. This flexibility and plasticity in genetic information allow living organisms to respond to challenges and opportunities in their environment.- Genetic information is not just a blueprint for life, but a dynamic and central force that shapes the development, diversity, and adaptability of living organisms. It is through the transmission, expression, and variation of genetic information that life as we know it is sustained and transformed over time.
