DefinitionGenetics is the study of heredity, the process in which a parent passes certain genes onto their children. A person's appearance -- height, hair color, skin color, and eye color -- are determined by genes. Other characteristics affected by heredity:Likelihood of getting certain diseasesMental abilitiesNatural talentsAn abnormal trait (anomaly) passed down through families (inherited) may:Have no effect on your health or well being -- for example, it may just involve a white patch of hair or an extended earlobeBe of minor consequence -- for example, color blindnessHave a dramatic effect on your quality or length of lifeFor most genetic disorders, genetic counseling is advised. Many people may also want to seek prenatal diagnosis.The terms anomaly, abnormality, disorder, defect, di