Hereditary factors refer to the genetic information that is passed down from parents to their offspring. This includes both genes and DNA, which are the two main components of heredity. Genes are the basic units of heredity, consisting of a sequence of nucleotides that code for a particular trait. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that carries the genetic information in the form of genes. Together, these two components determine the characteristics of an individual, such as physical traits, behavior, and even diseases.