What determines the traits of an organism in terms of inheritance?

What determines the traits of an organism in terms of inheritance?

• A. Environmental conditions alone
• B. Chromosomal organization
• C. DNA sequences
• D. Random selection of characteristics

Answer: (C)

The traits of an organism in terms of inheritance are fundamentally determined by DNA sequences. DNA carries the genetic information that encodes for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms. The specific arrangements of nucleotides within a gene determine how traits are expressed in an organism. When an organism reproduces, it passes on its DNA to the next generation, which in turn contains the same genetic information that dictates the organism's traits. Variations in DNA sequences, such as mutations or recombinations during sexual reproduction, contribute to the genetic diversity within a population, leading to different traits being expressed. While other factors may influence traits—like environmental conditions, chromosomal organization, and the concept of random selection of characteristics—these do not directly determine inheritance in the same way that DNA sequences do. For instance, environmental conditions can affect how genes are expressed but do not change the underlying genetic code. Similarly, while chromosomal organization is essential for the proper segregation of genes during cell division, it is the specific DNA sequences within those chromosomes that provide the inherited traits.

The traits of an organism in terms of inheritance are fundamentally determined by DNA sequences. DNA carries the genetic information that encodes for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms. The specific arrangements of nucleotides within a gene determine how traits are expressed in an organism.

When an organism reproduces, it passes on its DNA to the next generation, which in turn contains the same genetic information that dictates the organism's traits. Variations in DNA sequences, such as mutations or recombinations during sexual reproduction, contribute to the genetic diversity within a population, leading to different traits being expressed.

While other factors may influence traits—like environmental conditions, chromosomal organization, and the concept of random selection of characteristics—these do not directly determine inheritance in the same way that DNA sequences do. For instance, environmental conditions can affect how genes are expressed but do not change the underlying genetic code. Similarly, while chromosomal organization is essential for the proper segregation of genes during cell division, it is the specific DNA sequences within those chromosomes that provide the inherited traits.