Final answer:
Traits and inheritance are controlled by nucleic acids, with genes encoded in DNA determining an organism's characteristics. Genes are located on chromosomes and have different variations called alleles. These genes are inherited from parents and are responsible for an organism's phenotype.
Step-by-step explanation:
What controls traits and inheritance? The traits and inheritance are controlled by nucleic acids, specifically deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA contains the genetic instructions that determine the traits of an organism through sequences known as genes. These genes are located on structures within the cell called chromosomes, and they code for proteins that, in turn, affect the organism's characteristics.
An organism's traits are determined by the specific combination of inherited genes. The observable traits expressed by an organism are known as its phenotype. Each gene may have different possible variations, known as alleles, which are responsible for the variations in traits between individuals.
Genes, which are discrete areas on the DNA chains, determine the inheritable characteristics of all organisms. These genes are found on chromosomes in every cell and are passed from parents to offspring, controlling the characteristics essential to life such as reproduction, metabolism, and heredity.