Final answer:
Nucleotides are the components of DNA that determine an organism's genetic code by forming genes, which encode for specific proteins that dictate traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The component of DNA that determines the genetic code of an organism is nucleotides. These nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and are arranged in a specific sequence to form genes, which are segments of DNA that contain instructions for making specific proteins. Proteins are then responsible for the vast array of functions in a cell and determine the traits such as eye color and hair texture. Therefore, genes are composed of nucleotides and are the direct link to an organism's inherited traits.