What is reproduction? Mention the importance of DNA copying in reproduction.

Definition: Reproduction is the process of producing new young individuals of similar type by the mature individuals.

Importance of DNA Copying.

DNA carries hereditary information not only for controlling cellular functions but also all the structural and functional traits of organism. It is because of the latter that single celled zygote is able to form the whole multicellular organism. During reproduction there is formation of new cells which must carry the same amount and type of hereditary information as present in the parent cell. This is accomplished by DNA copying, which occurs prior to each cell division. DNA copying is not error proof. Errors give rise to variations.