Write an essay explaining the continuity of life and how it is based on heritable information in the form of DNA and its transmission from one generation to the next. The continuity of life is based on the incessant passage of inherited information that takes the form of DNA. This essay examines in depth the fundamental processes that allow the transmission of DNA and therefore of life. It initially identifies how information essential for life is stored in DNA and then explains the processes of DNA replication, mitosis and meiosis. He goes on to discuss the differences between the continuity of life in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, describing the various advantages and disadvantages of both sexual and asexual reproduction. It highlights the benefits of genetic variation in ensuring the diversity of life and finally concludes by arguing that DNA is essential for the continuity of life. The reason DNA is extremely important is because it provides the information necessary for life and a way to transmit this information. At the same time it can enable genetic diversity that ensures that life can best adapt to different evolving environments. DNA is responsible for transcribing information into RNA which translates the information to form proteins which are further responsible for the synthesis of polysaccharides and lipids. Macromolecules RNA, proteins, lipids and polysaccharides are fundamental for life (Reece, 2012). So essentially without DNA this passage of information cannot occur and life cannot continue. (htt) The cycle that allows the passage of information from DNA to proteins is that of protein translation. DNA is made up of a biochemical mechanism that allows the storage, translation and transmission of information (Jobling., 1996)...... half of paper... two identical sister chromatids joined by a centromere. the mitotic spindle, made up of microtubules and centrosomes, then begins to form as the centrosomes move to opposite sides of the cell. During pro-metaphase microtubules enter the nuclear space and begin to join the kinethechore proteins attached to each chromosome. Metaphase occurs when the chromosomes move onto the metaphase plate equidistant from the two centrosomes. Anaphase is the process in which sister chromatids separate and move to opposite ends of the cell. At the same time the cell begins to lengthen as the process of cytokinesis begins. Once the cell has two complete sets of chromosomes at either end, telophase begins. Nuclei form around sets of chromosomes as the chromosomes become less condensed and the spindle fibers disappear. Cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm, then occurs. Meiosis