In the context of the fundamentals of genetics, which statement best defines a gene?

• A. A gene is the entire set of DNA found in an organism, including all coding and noncoding sequences.
• B. A gene is a segment of DNA that contains information to produce a functional product (such as a protein or functional RNA) and contributes to a heritable trait.
• C. A gene is a ribosome-bound molecule that directly catalyzes protein synthesis during translation.
• D. A gene is a lipid-based structure that forms the boundary of the cell nucleus and controls which molecules enter.

Answer: (B)