The correct relationship among genes, DNA, and traits is: Traits are determined by genes, which are composed of DNA.
In this relationship:
- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecular material that contains the genetic instructions.
- Genes are segments of DNA that encode specific instructions for making proteins, which in turn contribute to the development of traits.
- Traits are the observable characteristics or features of an organism that are influenced by the expression of genes.
So, the flow is that DNA makes up genes, and genes determine traits.