What is a gene?

What is a gene?

• A. A segment of DNA that produces RNA (via transcription) to produce a polypeptide (via translation).
• B. A lipid that stores energy.
• C. A carbohydrate that provides energy for cells.
• D. A protein that catalyzes chemical reactions.

Answer: (A)

Genes are units of heredity encoded in DNA. A gene is a specific DNA sequence that is transcribed into RNA, and the resulting RNA is used to assemble a polypeptide during translation, producing a protein. Some genes encode RNA molecules that function without being translated into proteins, but the classic picture is DNA → RNA → protein. The other options describe different biomolecules (lipid, carbohydrate) or a type of molecule (protein) but not the genetic unit itself.

Genes are units of heredity encoded in DNA. A gene is a specific DNA sequence that is transcribed into RNA, and the resulting RNA is used to assemble a polypeptide during translation, producing a protein. Some genes encode RNA molecules that function without being translated into proteins, but the classic picture is DNA → RNA → protein. The other options describe different biomolecules (lipid, carbohydrate) or a type of molecule (protein) but not the genetic unit itself.