Final answer:
A scientist examining the inheritance of genetic material is engaged in studying nucleic acids, such as DNA, which are the macromolecules that encode and pass on genetic information.
Step-by-step explanation:
A scientist working on how genetic material like DNA is passed from one person to another is primarily working with nucleic acids. Nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, are critical macromolecules for the continuity of life since they store and transfer genetic information from generation to generation. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a polymer made up of nucleotides, which are themselves composed of a five-carbon sugar (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base that facilitate complementary base pairing. The unique sequence of these nucleotides within the DNA molecule encodes the instructions necessary for synthesizing proteins and allows for the retention of hereditary information in a cell.