Here's a breakdown:
* DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information.
* Genes are specific segments of DNA that code for a particular trait or characteristic.
* During reproduction, parents pass on their genes to their offspring through chromosomes. These chromosomes are essentially bundles of DNA.
* The offspring inherits half of their chromosomes from their mother and half from their father.
Therefore, the specific segments of DNA that are passed down from parents to offspring are called genes.
