The answer is a gene and a chromosome.
Here's a breakdown:
-
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the fundamental building block. It's a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for all known living organisms and many viruses.
-
A gene is a specific sequence of DNA that codes for a particular trait or function. Think of it as a specific instruction manual within the larger DNA library. A gene is a segment of DNA. Therefore, it is larger than just DNA considered by itself, but still composed of DNA.
-
A chromosome is a structure made of tightly packed DNA and proteins. Chromosomes are the physical carriers of genes, organized within the nucleus of a cell. Each chromosome consists of a very long, continuous strand of DNA.
Essentially, the relationship is hierarchical:
DNA -> Gene -> Chromosome
Therefore, both a gene and a chromosome are larger structures that encompass DNA.
