What are segments of DNA that encode proteins called?

Segments of DNA that encode proteins are referred to as genes. Genes contain the instructions that guide the synthesis of proteins, which perform various functions in the body. Each gene consists of a specific sequence of nucleotides that determines the structure of a particular protein. When the gene is expressed, the information is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which then undergoes translation to form the corresponding protein.

The other options serve distinct roles within the context of genetics. Exons are portions of a gene that are translated into protein, while introns are non-coding segments that are transcribed into RNA but are spliced out before translation occurs. Chromosomes, on the other hand, are structures that organize and carry genes, but they do not directly refer to the segments that encode proteins. Understanding the definition and function of genes is crucial for grasping the principles of genetics and molecular biology.