Question

Explain how characteristics are inherited through genes.

Answer 1

Hint: A gene is present in DNA or RNA and has a sequence of nucleotides that encodes the synthesis of a gene product which could be protein or RNA. The DNA is copied into RNA in the gene expression and RNA can be a direct or intermediate template for a protein that performs a function.

Complete answer:
The traits in an individual are inherited through genes. These genes encode for proteins which result in certain traits in an individual. The gene contains the information as a sequence of nucleotides and helps it to transfer from parent to the offspring. Various traits such as eye colour, height, skin colour, etc. are dependent on the gene. Genes are the basic unit of the heredity and are located on the chromosomes in DNA or RNA molecules. During the formation of male and female gametes, the chromosome carrying genes segregate resulting in the inheritance of traits.
The structure of the gene consists of many types of elements of which actual protein coding sequence is often a minor part. These comprise DNA regions which are the one with no transcribed along with untranslated regions of the RNA. Therefore, genes play a vital role in the inheritance of characters and traits in an individual. These are generally adapted from the both parents of an individual during mating of reproduction gametes and some are results of mutations.

Note: There is a gene coding in the gene structure and even a minor change in the gene structure could affect the characters and traits in an individual significantly. Genes undergoes various mutations and changes in order to instill certain characters in the body.