Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations, to increase your readiness and confidence for the test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is a gene?

A large, complex structure in the cell
A type of protein
A segment of DNA that functions as a unit
A complete set of chromosomes

The correct answer is: A segment of DNA that functions as a unit

A gene is defined as a segment of DNA that functions as a unit. This segment of DNA carries the instructions for making proteins, which play critical roles in the structure and function of cells and, consequently, the organism as a whole. Genes are the basic units of heredity, and they are responsible for the inheritance of traits from one generation to the next. The precise sequence of nucleotides within a gene determines the information encoded, including which proteins will be produced and their specific characteristics. Understanding the role of genes provides insight into how genetic variations can lead to differences in physical traits, susceptibility to diseases, and overall health. This fundamental concept is key to both genetics and biology, laying the groundwork for further exploration into genetic engineering, medical genetics, and biotechnology.