The distinct segments of DNA that code for specific proteins are called genes.

Here's a breakdown:

* Genes: These are the fundamental units of heredity. They are sections of DNA that contain the instructions for building and maintaining an organism.

* Proteins: These are complex molecules that perform a wide variety of functions in the body, such as building and repairing tissues, transporting molecules, and catalyzing chemical reactions.

The process of turning a gene into a protein is called gene expression. It involves two main steps:

1. Transcription: The DNA sequence of a gene is copied into a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule.

2. Translation: The mRNA molecule is used as a template to assemble a chain of amino acids, which folds into a specific protein.

So, genes are the blueprints for proteins, and proteins are the workhorses of the cell.