Question

How does genes control the traits?

Answer 1

Gene is defined as the basic structural and functional unit of heredity in biology. It is a sequence of either RNA or DNA that produces certain essential gene products that serves important roles in the organism where it is being expressed.

Complete answer:
Traits are defined as certain qualities or characteristics that distinguish one individual from another. They are either inherited or obtained environmentally and occur as a combination of two. Genes are capable of controlling traits by means of gene expression. The gene’s DNA comprises a nucleotide sequence that corresponds to a particular amino acid sequence of a protein through the genetic code, that comprises a set of three codons each specifying a particular amino acid.

The expression of genes start with the process of transcription where the DNA is transcribed to a single stranded RNA known as the messenger RNA by the help of RNA Polymerase and serves as an intermediate product between the gene and the final protein product. Transcription is followed by translation where the messenger RNA is used as a template for protein synthesis.

The translation is carried out by a ribosome that adds new amino acids to a growing polypeptide chain as specified by the genetic code and finally results in the synthesis of the mature protein. This protein then carries out its function that can result in affecting a particular trait of an organism.

Note: Gene expression is regulated so that it occurs only when a specific product is required. Regulation depends on both internal cellular conditions such as cell cycle, cell division as well as external factors such as temperature, nutrient availability, etc.