genetic inheritance

Genetic inheritance is the process through which traits and characteristics are passed from parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are segments of DNA found in chromosomes, which are inherited in pairs—one from each parent. Dominant genes can mask the effects of recessive genes, influencing how traits appear. For example, if a dominant gene controls a trait like eye color, that trait will show up even if only one parent passes it down. This process helps explain similarities between family members while also allowing for variation in traits among individuals.