Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics. Gregory Mendel is considered the father of genetics. The DNA molecule is composed of two polymers of nucleotides arranged in a double helix structure, as proposed by Watson and Crick in 1953. Abnormal chromosome numbers or mutations in single genes can cause conditions like Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia. Genetic testing involves extracting DNA from cells, cutting the DNA into fragments, separating the fragments, and analyzing them to diagnose genetic diseases.