What are the biochemical units of heredity that make up chromosomes and synthesize a protein?

Explore the Biological Bases of Behavior Test. Prepare with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring explanations. Start practicing today!

Multiple Choice

What are the biochemical units of heredity that make up chromosomes and synthesize a protein?

Genes are the basic hereditary units. They reside on chromosomes and carry the instructions for making proteins. A gene is a specific sequence of DNA that, when expressed through transcription and translation, guides the synthesis of a protein that contributes to a trait. This direct link between a gene and a protein product is why genes are the correct answer. Chromosomes are the structures that organize many genes; nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA/RNA; alleles are different versions of a gene. So the hereditary unit that both makes up chromosomes and directs protein synthesis is the gene.

Genes are the basic hereditary units. They reside on chromosomes and carry the instructions for making proteins. A gene is a specific sequence of DNA that, when expressed through transcription and translation, guides the synthesis of a protein that contributes to a trait. This direct link between a gene and a protein product is why genes are the correct answer. Chromosomes are the structures that organize many genes; nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA/RNA; alleles are different versions of a gene. So the hereditary unit that both makes up chromosomes and directs protein synthesis is the gene.

More practice questions