What study focuses on genes and heredity?

The study that focuses on genes and heredity is genetics. Genetics is the branch of biological science that investigates the mechanisms of inheritance, how traits and characteristics are passed down from parents to offspring through genes. This field encompasses the structure and function of genes, the variability that occurs among individuals, and the ways in which genetic information is transmitted across generations.

Professionals in genetics study topics such as DNA structure, gene expression, genetic variation, and the role of genes in disease. This knowledge is crucial in fields like agriculture, where understanding the genetic traits of plants and animals can lead to improved yields and disease resistance. Genetic principles are also applied in medicine and biotechnology, making it an essential area of study in the life sciences.