What is the role of a gene?

A gene's primary role is to code for a specific protein that contributes to the expression of a trait. Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions necessary for the synthesis of proteins, which are critical for a wide range of biological functions and processes in an organism. When a gene is expressed, it is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then translated into a protein. This protein can then perform various functions, such as forming part of a structure, acting as an enzyme to facilitate chemical reactions, or functioning as a signaling molecule.

The specificity of a gene to determine traits is foundational to the field of genetics, as variations in genes can lead to different characteristics in organisms. For example, variations in genes can result in differences in eye color, height, or even susceptibility to certain diseases. This relationship between genes and traits is fundamental to inheritance and evolutionary biology.