A gene can best be defined as ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A gene is a segment of DNA that carries the instructions for one polypeptide chain, which ultimately determines the traits and characteristics of an organism. Thus, option C is the best definition of a gene. Option A refers to a codon, which is the basic unit of the genetic code that specifies the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Option B is incorrect since noncoding segments of DNA are not necessarily genes, but they can regulate gene expression or have other functions. Option D refers to mRNA, which carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes where it is translated into a polypeptide, but not all genes code for mRNA.

A Gene Can Best Be Defined as ________