Bacterial genetics is the study of the genetic makeup and inheritance patterns of bacteria. Researchers in this field investigate the structure and function of bacterial genes, how they are transferred between bacteria, and how they impact bacterial traits such as antibiotic resistance or pathogenicity. By studying bacterial genetics, scientists can gain insight into bacterial evolution, population dynamics, and the development of new strategies for combating infectious diseases caused by bacteria. Key techniques used in bacterial genetics research include genetic mapping, gene cloning, and genome sequencing.