Final answer:
A gene is definitively described as all of the listed options: a linear array of nucleotides, an inherited factor that determines a biological characteristic, and the basic unit of heredity. Genes carry the genetic code for proteins and are essential for life processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of a Gene
A gene can be defined as d. all of the above. A gene is in fact a linear array of nucleotides within the DNA that carries the code for a specific polypeptide chain. Genes are the basic unit of heredity, serving as the instructions for making the RNA and protein molecules essential for all life processes. Additionally, a gene is an inherited factor that determines a biological characteristic of an organism. The combination of these nucleotide sequences directly influences the organism's traits and characteristics, impacting everything from eye color to susceptibility to certain diseases.
The genetic code within genes operates by grouping nucleotides into sets of three, known as codons, which specify which amino acids will be assembled into proteins. Genes are systematically arranged on chromosomes and are integral to the inheritance patterns observed in populations. Their expression, replication, and potential for mutation give rise to the diversity and complexity of life as observed today.