How Traits Are Passed Down

Genetics is the study of heredity—how traits like eye color or blood type are inherited from one generation to the next.

Key Concepts

• Genes and DNA: Genes are segments of DNA that code for proteins, influencing traits.
• Alleles: Different versions of a gene can produce variations in traits.
• Mendelian Inheritance: Gregor Mendel's experiments with pea plants led to laws of segregation and independent assortment.
• Punnett Squares: Visual tools to predict the probability of inheriting certain traits.

Real-World Connections

• Understanding genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis can help with early diagnosis and treatment.
• Forensic scientists use DNA fingerprinting to solve crimes.

Why It Matters

Genetics explains family resemblance, variation in populations, and how selective breeding works.