Texas A&M University (TAMU) BIOL111 Introductory Biology I Exam 1 Practice Exam

Genes are considered biochemical units of heredity because they serve as the fundamental units of information that are passed from parents to offspring. Each gene consists of a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA, which encodes the instructions for the synthesis of proteins and the regulation of various cellular functions. These genetic instructions determine inherited traits, such as eye color, height, and susceptibility to certain diseases.

The concept of inheritance is central to genetics and evolution, as genes are responsible for the transmission of inherited characteristics through generations. This means that genes play a crucial role in biological diversity and adaptation to changing environments.

In contrast, the other options describe functions or components that do not align with the role of genes. Energy storage in cells is typically associated with molecules like carbohydrates and lipids. Ribosomes are structures made up of proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) that play a key role in protein synthesis but do not directly represent genes themselves. The cell membrane is composed of lipids and proteins, serving as a barrier and communication interface, but it is not involved in heredity.