Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in living organisms. At its core are several key principles that govern how traits are passed from generation to generation. Heredity: Traits are inherited from parents through the transmission of genetic information encoded in DNA. Mendelian Inheritance: Gregor Mendel's inheritance laws, including segregation and independent assortment, describe how genes are passed down and expressed in offspring. Genetic Variation: Genetic variation arises from mutations, genetic recombination, and gene flow, contributing to diversity within and between populations. Gene Expression: The process of gene expression involves transcription of DNA into RNA and translation of RNA into proteins, which determine an organism's traits and functions. Genetic Disorders: Mutations and genetic abnormalities can lead to genetic disorders, affecting health and development. Population Genetics: Population genetics studies genetic variation and evolution within populations, including factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow.