Answer: The correct answer is genes.
Genes can be defined as the segments of DNA ( deoxyribonucleic acid), which carry information for proteins. Genes are transcribed and converted into mRNA ( messanger RNA), which is then converted into proteins through a process called translation. Specific proteins reflect the characteristics of the organism.
According to the Central Dogma, the genetic information is therefore transferred in this manner-
DNA→ mRNa → Proteins
Thus, the instructions for formatting characteristics ( proteins) are carried on Genes.