What does heredity refer to?

Heredity specifically refers to the passing of traits, characteristics, or qualities from one generation to the next, often through genetic information contained in DNA. This encompasses how offspring inherit distinct features from their parents, which can include traits like eye color, height, and various genetic disorders.

When considering the other options, while the transfer of nutrients to cells is vital for cellular function, it does not pertain to genetic inheritance. The process of cell division, although crucial for growth and reproduction, is not directly related to how traits are passed down. Lastly, the mechanism of protein synthesis involves the translation of genetic information into proteins but does not define the concept of heredity itself. Thus, the correct understanding of heredity focuses on the qualities and traits that are passed down from ancestors, which is accurately captured by the second choice.