Final answer:
A discreet unit of hereditary information is known as a gene, which is the fundamental physical and functional unit that carries the genetic code for hereditary traits. Genes are arranged on chromosomes, which are found in the cells of an organism.
Step-by-step explanation:
A discreet unit of hereditary information is a gene. A gene is a segment of DNA which serves as the basic unit of heredity. Genes are found on chromosomes and contain the necessary code, the genetic code, which directs the synthesis of proteins within a cell. These proteins subsequently perform functions that result in specific traits.
During the process of transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into RNA, which is then translated into a protein using the genetic code that identifies each group of three nucleotides and its corresponding amino acid. The entire genetic makeup of an organism is called the genome, and haploid cells like gametes contain a single set of chromosomes.
Appreciation for the role of genes advanced substantially with the work of Gregor Mendel, whose experiments with pea plants established the fundamental principles of heredity. These principles are now understood on a molecular level as we study the behavior and interaction of chromosomes, as well as the linear arrangement of genes on them, giving insight into inheritance patterns within populations.