The right answer is DNA.
The genetic information contained in the DNA determines the characters of the living being. It is passed from parents to their descendants.
Gene expression is the conversion of an organism's genotype into a phenotype, that is, a set of characteristics specific to that organism. This process is influenced by a variety of external stimuli and includes the following three major steps:
* Transcription of DNA into RNA, a different nucleic acid that may have a proper biological function - ribosomal RNA, transfer RNA, etc. - or serve as an intermediate for the biosynthesis of proteins - messenger RNA;
* Genetic translation of messenger RNA into proteins;
* Physiological activity of non-coding RNAs and proteins within organisms.
