Final answer:
DNA is the mechanism of heredity in eukaryotes, where genetic information is passed to the next generation through the cell cycle, mitosis/meiosis, and fertilization. Genes, which are segments of DNA, determine an organism's traits, and water is essential for numerous bodily processes including DNA replication. The answer is option C.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA is critical to life as it serves as the primary mechanism of heredity. Within eukaryotic organisms, heritable information is passed to the next generation through a sequence of processes that involve the cell cycle, and cellular division using mitosis or meiosis, followed by fertilization. This ensures the transmission of genetic material from one generation to the next.
An organism's traits are determined by the specific combination of inherited genes. These genes are segments of DNA that carry the instructions for the development, functioning, maintenance, and reproduction of the organism. Heritable information, in the form of DNA and sometimes RNA, is essential for the propagation and evolution of life, offering a blueprint that guides the synthesis of proteins and ultimately dictates organismal traits.
When considering the importance of water in the body related to DNA, water plays a critical role in many bodily processes, including digestion, protein synthesis, and the copying of DNA. A lack of water in the body could hinder these processes, affecting the overall functionality and health of the organism.