Here's a breakdown:
* DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): This is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for an organism. It's organized into long strands called chromosomes.
* Genes: Specific sections of DNA that code for a particular trait or characteristic. These instructions determine everything from eye color to height.
* Transfer of Genes: During reproduction, parents pass down copies of their DNA to their offspring. This ensures the offspring inherit traits from both parents.
So, genes are the units of heredity that are passed down from parents to offspring. They are essentially instructions encoded within DNA that determine the characteristics of an organism.