Final answer:
The sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins, which subsequently define an individual's traits and characteristics, following the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sequence of a nucleotide of DNA determines the linear sequence of amino acids of proteins, so that genes determine the shape and function of proteins, which in turn are responsible for the traits and characteristics of the individual. This process exemplifies the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology, which describes the flow of genetic information in cells from DNA to mRNA to protein. Specifically, a gene's nucleotide sequence is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into a chain of amino acids that fold into a functional protein.