2 How do genes influence an organism's traits? A By directly controlling all parts of an organism's development B By using the environment to determine an organism's characteristics C By randomly selecting traits from a variety of Rmssibilities D organism's traits By providing instructions for building proteins that determine an

## Step 1<br />The question is asking about the role of genes in determining an organism's traits. Traits are the physical or behavioral characteristics of an organism, such as its height, color of eyes, or behavior.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Genes are segments of DNA that carry instructions for the production of proteins. These proteins determine the physical and biological characteristics of an organism.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option A suggests that genes control all parts of an organism's development. While genes do play a significant role in development, they do not control all aspects.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option B suggests that genes use the environment to determine an organism's characteristics. While the environment can influence the expression of genes, it is not the primary determinant of an organism's traits.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option C suggests that genes randomly select traits from a variety of possibilities. This is not accurate as genes do not randomly select traits, but rather determine them based on the instructions they carry.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Option D suggests that genes provide instructions for building proteins that determine an organism's traits. This is the most accurate description of how genes influence an organism's traits. The proteins produced by genes determine the physical and biological characteristics of an organism.