What is the name for the short section of a chromosome that controls our characteristics?

The short section of a chromosome that controls our characteristics is called a "gene." Genes are the fundamental units of heredity in living organisms and contain the instructions for building the proteins that perform most life functions. Each gene can influence a particular trait, such as eye color, hair type, or the risk of certain diseases.

Genes are composed of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which is a long molecule made up of sequences of nucleotides. The specific order of these nucleotides in a gene determines the information encoded in that gene. Genes can vary in size and can have multiple variations, or alleles, which can lead to different expressions of a trait.

Overall, genes play a crucial role in determining the biological characteristics that are inherited from one generation to the next, influencing everything from physical attributes to potential health issues.