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In this question, a characteristic passed from parent to offspring is known as a trait. Traits are specific features or qualities that can be inherited, such as eye color, hair texture, or the ability to roll your tongue. Traits are determined by genes, which are segments of DNA that contain instructions for specific traits. Genes are located on chromosomes, which are structures found in the nucleus of cells.
Here's a breakdown of the terms mentioned in the question:
1. Trait: A characteristic or attribute that is passed down from parents to their offspring.
2. Gene: A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.
3. Allele: A variant form of a gene. For example, the gene for eye color may have alleles for blue, brown, or green eyes.
4. Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
So, in the context of the question, the correct answer is:
a. Trait
