Answer:
Proteins are the primary molecules responsible for determining the traits of an organism, as they act as the building blocks of all living things. Proteins are composed of amino acids, which form chains that fold into specific shapes and form functional molecules with specific properties. These properties allow proteins to regulate all aspects of an organism’s metabolism, including growth, development, tissue structure and maintenance, and even behavior. Through a combination of genes, or instructions on how proteins are made, and environmental factors, proteins can determine the traits of an organism.