9) A segment of DNA that has the ability to gode for a specific

protein is known as a gene. Genes are the basic unit of heredity and contain the instructions for building proteins, which are the molecules that carry out most of the work in the cell. Genes are made up of nucleotide sequences that encode for specific amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Mutations in genes can lead to changes in protein structure and function, which can result in genetic disorders or diseases. Genes are passed down from parents to offspring through reproduction, ensuring that traits are inherited.