Genetics is the study of heredity and variation. It helps us understand how characteristics are passed from parents to their offspring and how differences appear between individuals. The main genetic material is DNA, which stores the information needed for the growth, development, and proper functioning of cells. DNA is made of nucleotides and contains four bases: A, T, C, and G. DNA is organized into chromosomes, which contain genes. Genetic information is used to make proteins through gene expression: DNA → RNA → Protein. Before cell division, DNA is copied through DNA replication so that genetic information can be transmitted to new cells. Finally, mutations and genetic recombination create variation, making each organism genetically unique.

La physiologie végétale, est la science qui étudie le fonctionnement des organes et des tissus végétaux. Elle cherche à préciser la nature des mécanismes grâce auxquels les organes remplissent leurs fonctions.