What are genes?

What are genes?

• A. Different versions of the same gene
• B. Alleles
• C. Pairs of matching chromosomes
• D. Segments of DNA that code for traits

Answer: (D)

Genes are the hereditary units—stretches of DNA that carry the instructions to make the molecules, usually proteins or functional RNA, that influence traits. They are specific segments of DNA located on chromosomes. Variants of the same gene are alleles, which is why some options describe alleles rather than the gene itself. The description that best fits what a gene is—a segment of DNA that codes for traits—captures the idea that a defined DNA sequence directs the production of a product that contributes to an organism’s characteristics.

Genes are the hereditary units—stretches of DNA that carry the instructions to make the molecules, usually proteins or functional RNA, that influence traits. They are specific segments of DNA located on chromosomes. Variants of the same gene are alleles, which is why some options describe alleles rather than the gene itself. The description that best fits what a gene is—a segment of DNA that codes for traits—captures the idea that a defined DNA sequence directs the production of a product that contributes to an organism’s characteristics.