Gregor Mendel described the physical traits in pea plants as being controlled by two 'factors' - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2005 - Paper 1

The factors identified by Gregor Mendel are now known as genes. In Mendel's experiments with pea plants, he observed how traits were inherited, leading to the conclusion that these hereditary units were responsible for the expression of traits. Today, we understand that genes are segments of DNA that carry specific information for the development of traits, and they play a crucial role in inheritance.