What is a gene?

A gene is defined as a sequence of DNA that encodes instructions for synthesizing proteins. This sequence contains the necessary information that ultimately governs the traits and functions of an organism through the production of proteins, which play critical roles in biological processes. The structure and sequence of the DNA in a gene determine the specific protein produced, influencing various characteristics in organisms.

In contrast, a variant of a trait refers to a phenotype or observable characteristic that may arise due to different alleles or gene variations. A type of chromosome refers to the physical structures that carry genes and genetic information, while a cellular structure involved in protein synthesis refers to components like ribosomes or the endoplasmic reticulum, which facilitate the process of translating genetic information into proteins. Therefore, identifying a gene primarily revolves around its function and role as a sequence coding for proteins rather than its variants or associated structures.