The correct relationship is: Traits are determined by genes, which are composed of DNA.
Here's a brief explanation of the relationships:
- DNA is the molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.
- Genes are segments of DNA that encode specific proteins or functions, and they ultimately influence observable characteristics or traits.
- Traits are the physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism that result from the expression of genes.
Thus, DNA serves as the blueprint, genes are the specific instructions within that blueprint, and traits are the resulting features or behaviors of an organism based on those instructions.