Final answer:
Investigating DNA's molecular structure to understand inheritance is an example of reductionism, as it involves breaking down the complex system of inheritance into its simpler genetic components.
Step-by-step explanation:
The investigation of the molecular structure of DNA to understand the chemical basis of inheritance is an example of reductionism. Reductionism is an approach in science where a complex system is broken down into its simpler parts to make it easier to study and understand.
This is opposed to systems biology, which would study the system as a whole, or emergent properties, which are properties that emerge from the interactions between components of a system that cannot be predicted by the behavior of individual components.
Reductionism aligns closely with the work of Mendelian genetics, where the focus is on how individual genes are passed from parents to offspring. The meticulous analysis of the structure of DNA leads us to understand the mechanisms behind Mendel's observed patterns of inheritance, such as the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment. Furthermore, the elucidation of DNA structure has been pivotal in advancing our understanding of heritable genetic disorders and associated medical, social, and ethical issues.