Final answer:
The information specifying traits of organisms is encoded in DNA because DNA contains the genetic instructions that are transcribed into mRNA, which in turn directs the synthesis of proteins determining an organism's traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
While it is true that proteins are constructed from messenger RNA (mRNA), the fundamental instructions for these proteins are encoded in DNA. Each cell's genotype consists of a full collection of genes that are segments of DNA. These genes serve as the blueprint for protein production. During the process of protein synthesis, the genetic information stored in DNA is first transcribed into mRNA, which is then used to produce proteins through translation. As a result, it is appropriate to say that the traits of organisms are encoded in DNA because DNA contains the complete genetic information necessary to form the structure of all the proteins that, in turn, determine an organism's traits.
To further elucidate this concept, the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology states that DNA is transcribed into RNA, and RNA is then translated into protein. Therefore, while proteins are the direct molecules that carry out and influence traits, the information specifying which proteins are produced and how they are structured originates from DNA.