All living things are bound to reproduce at certain stages of their life in order to ensure sustainability or increase in their numbers. Different organisms have different ways of reproduction ranging from the very simple one of binary fusion to the more complicated ones as those experienced in human beings and other mammals. In fact, reproduction in living things is classified as asexual or sexual depending on the nature of the reproduction. In asexual reproduction, the involved mates do not have any contact to reproduce as depicted in birds and reptiles. On the other hand, sexual reproduction involves the two mates being in contact in order to reproduce. This is the case depicted in most mammals including human beings. In order to reproduce, living things require a reproductive system. A reproductive system is, therefore, a system consisting of organs, fluids, and hormones that work coherently to serve the purpose of reproduction. The reproductive systems differ from one type of living thing to another but the main difference is evidenced in the sexes. This means that the male reproductive system is different from the female reproductive system with regard to hormones, fluids, and organs. Similarities are only noticed on rare occasions. In each reproductive system, there are organs outside the body of the living thing referred to as the external genitalia, while others are inside the body. Both of these work together to ensure reproduction takes place. Concisely, reproduction is an important stage for all living things as it ensures procreation thus sustainability or increase in population.
Cell division is one of the several processes that take place in reproduction. Cell division is essentially the process that occur in the cell, which lead to division or duplication of the cell. This process occurs through binary fission whereby a mature cell undergoes a process of duplication or division to form new cells. The new cells now grow up while getting nutrients from the mature organism making the new cell become a mature cell as well. The process goes on until more cells that are new are formed. The cell division process is also responsible for the renewal of certain internal organs and tissues such as blood cells, skin, and hair just to mention a few. Given the latter functions carried out through cell division, it is clear that it is important to all living things.
Genetics is yet another important aspect of the biology of reproduction. It entails the issues of heredity and variation in all living organisms ranging from bacteria, viruses, animals, and plants. All living organisms have different genes that bring about variations of having different species, classes, and families. Through genetics, genes are able to behave in a certain manner to create patterns of heredity and variation. Living things, therefore, inherit certain traits from their biological parents, according to Gregor Mendel who is the father of genetics. As a result, different living organisms will have different genetic makeup. Actually, genes normally work through DNA molecules, which contain the heredity factor. Each DNA strand is made up of four nucleotides namely Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Thymine that are sequentially arranged. These nucleotides are the ones that carry the genetic information.
It can be seen that genetics play a significant role in the way living organisms look and behave. Common examples of the work of genetics include the different sizes, colors/complexion, health, and nutrition of living things among other differential factors.