Which statement best describes the physical nature of a gene?

• A. A gene is a chromosome that contains hereditary material.
• B. A gene is a segment of RNA that carries genetic information.
• C. A gene is a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA that encodes a functional product.
• D. A gene is a protein that determines an organism's traits.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a gene is a fundamental unit of heredity in living organisms.
2. Recall that genes are made up of DNA, which consists of sequences of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine).
3. Recognize that a gene is not an entire chromosome, but rather a specific segment or sequence within the DNA molecule.
4. Know that genes encode functional products, typically proteins or sometimes functional RNA molecules, which influence traits and biological functions.
5. Conclude that the best description of a gene is that it is a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA that encodes a functional product.