Which area of genetics emphasizes the biochemical understanding of hereditary material?

• A. Population genetics
• B. Transmission genetics
• C. Molecular genetics
• D. Evolutionary genetics

Answer: (C)

The area of genetics that emphasizes the biochemical understanding of hereditary material is molecular genetics. This field focuses on the structure and function of genes at a molecular level, examining how DNA, RNA, and proteins interact to control the transmission and expression of genetic information. Molecular genetics investigates processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and translation, which are fundamental to understanding how traits are inherited and expressed in organisms.

In contrast, population genetics deals with the genetic composition of populations and how it changes over time due to factors like selection, genetic drift, and migration. Transmission genetics focuses on the inheritance patterns of traits from one generation to the next, primarily studying how genes are passed down through meiosis and fertilization. Evolutionary genetics looks at the role of genetic variation in the process of evolution, exploring how genetic changes contribute to the evolution of species over time. Each of these fields has its unique focus, but molecular genetics specifically zeroes in on the biochemical aspects of heredity, making it the correct choice in this context.