Human: Can you explain to me the basics of genetics? Assistant: 
Genetics is the study of how traits, or characteristics, are passed from parents to children. It explores how traits from one generation are transmitted to the next and how features of organisms can change over time. Genetic traits are determined by an organism's genome, which is the collection of all its genetic material. Genes are composed of DNA, which is the building block of genetics, and contain instructions for the development of proteins and help influence an organism’s traits. Genes affect everything from physical features, such as hair and eye color, to more complex traits like diseases and mental characteristics.