What is the function of a gene?

The function of a gene is to act as a functional unit of heredity. Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for the development and function of living organisms. They carry the genetic information that is passed from parents to their offspring, determining traits such as physical characteristics, susceptibility to certain diseases, and various biochemical processes.

Each gene encodes specific proteins or RNA molecules that perform essential tasks within cells. The hereditary information encoded in genes guides the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms, playing a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of biological traits across generations.

The other options incorrectly describe functions that are not related to the core role of genes. While energy creation, bone building, and oxygen transport are vital processes in bodily functions, these are largely dependent on the expression of genes rather than being a direct function of the genes themselves.