The branch of biology concerned with genes, heredity, genetic variation, and how genetic information is transmitted and expressed.
Genetics examines how characteristics are inherited, how genetic variation arises, and how changes in genetic material can influence traits, disease risk, and biological function.
Genetics involves DNA, genes, chromosomes, alleles, mutations, and interactions between genetic factors and the environment.
QUICK FACT
Genetics does not mean that a trait or disease is determined entirely by genes; many characteristics result from interactions between genes and environmental or lifestyle factors.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Genetic: an adjective describing something relating to genes or heredity; genetics is the scientific field that studies these processes.
SEE ALSO
