A trait in an organism is influenced by both maternal and paternal DNA.
Explanation: During sexual reproduction, each parent contributes half of their genetic material to the offspring, meaning traits are determined by the combination of genes from both the mother and the father.
Why other options are incorrect:
A – paternal DNA only:
Only inheriting genes from the father would not result in a complete organism, as traits depend on the interaction of genes from both parents.
B – maternal DNA only:
Similar to option A, inheriting only maternal DNA would not produce a fully developed organism.
D – neither by paternal nor by maternal DNA:
Traits are always determined by genetic material inherited from parents. An organism cannot develop without any DNA.