Heredity: The Basis of Genetics
Definition and Transmission
Heredity, also known as inheritance, is the transmission of traits from parents to their offspring. This process involves the transfer of genetic information encoded within molecules of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
Functional Units: Genes
The functional units of heritable material are genes. Genes are found within all living cells and carry the instructions for the development and characteristics of an organism.
Patterns of Inheritance
Gregor Mendel's principles of heredity, observed through patterns of inheritance in pea plants, laid the foundation for modern genetics. These principles describe how traits are inherited and passed on through generations.
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