Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:52 · grounding rag
Model Answer
(a) Proteins control characteristics by acting as enzymes or structural components. For example, in pea plants, genes produce a specific enzyme that synthesises plant hormones (like gibberellin). More hormone → taller plant; less hormone → dwarf plant.
(b) The section of DNA that controls characteristics in an organism is called a gene.
Explanation
- For (a), the key idea is: gene → protein (enzyme) → characteristic. Use the tallness example: enzyme controls gibberellin production, which determines plant height.
- For (b), the one-word answer "gene" is sufficient. Examiners want the exact term — do not write "DNA segment" without naming it as a gene.
- These are standard NCERT Chapter 9 (Heredity and Evolution) concepts. Memorise the gene–protein–trait link.