What term describes the code formed by the sequence of bases in DNA that determines an organism's characteristics?

The term that describes the code formed by the sequence of bases in DNA, which determines an organism's characteristics, is the genetic code. This code is made up of sequences of nucleotides (the bases are adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) that provide the instructions for building proteins, which are essential for the development and functioning of an organism.

These proteins play critical roles in various biological processes, and the specific sequences of bases dictate the sequence of amino acids in a protein. This connection between the genetic code and the proteins produced is fundamental to heritable traits and characteristics of an organism.

In contrast, phenotype refers to the observable characteristics of an organism, which are influenced by the genotype (the genetic code) and environmental factors. The genome encompasses the complete set of genetic material in an organism, while RNA sequence pertains to the copy of the genetic information that is transcribed from DNA during protein synthesis. Understanding these definitions helps clarify the role of the genetic code in defining the characteristics of living organisms.