Which of the following primarily controls traits and inheritance in living organisms?

• A. Proteins
• B. Nucleic acids
• C. Gametes
• D. Temperature

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that traits and inheritance in living organisms are determined by genetic information passed from parents to offspring.
2. Recall that genetic information is stored in molecules called nucleic acids, specifically DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
3. Recognize that proteins are the products made based on the instructions encoded in nucleic acids, but they do not control inheritance themselves.
4. Note that gametes are reproductive cells that carry genetic information, but they are vehicles for inheritance rather than the controlling molecules.
5. Temperature can influence the expression of traits but does not control the fundamental mechanism of inheritance.