Final answer:
A gene is a section of DNA that carries the instructions for making proteins and dictating the characteristics of an organism. Genes are located on chromosomes and are passed from parents to their offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
A gene is a section of DNA that carries a code for making a specific polypeptide chain. Genes are located on larger structures called chromosomes. They contain the instructions to encode proteins and dictate the characteristics of an organism. Genes are the fundamental units of heredity that are passed from parents to their offspring.