For organisms to survive it is important that the information needed for survival is passed on through the generations. If a population has sufficient variation within its genetic information, it is more likely to respond successfully to changes in the environment. Mutations can assist by increasing the variation.
Genetic material provides the information that allows living things to function. Genetic information can be passed on from generation to generation. The passing on of this genetic information will be different in asexual and sexual reproduction and cloning.
Taking time to learn about genetics can help you understand your own health and make healthy choices. Many more common diseases come from multiple genes that do not work correctly and the combination of these genes with the environment, such as your lifestyle and habits.