Genetics is the study of how traits (characteristics) pass from parents to children. Heredity means the passing of traits from one generation to the next through genes. A gene is a small unit of DNA that controls one trait.
Every person has two copies of each gene—one from mother, one from father.
KEY RULES:
1. Dominant traits always show up if present. Recessive traits only show if both copies are recessive.
2.
Each parent gives one gene copy to their child randomly.
3. Traits follow predictable patterns that can be calculated.