gene

¹

[ jeen ]

noun

1. the basic physical unit of heredity; a linear sequence of nucleotides along a segment of DNA that provides the coded instructions for synthesis of RNA, which, when translated into protein, leads to the expression of hereditary character.

Gene

²

[ jeen ]

noun

1. a male given name, form of Eugene.

gene

¹

/ dʒiːn /

noun

1. a unit of heredity composed of DNA occupying a fixed position on a chromosome (some viral genes are composed of RNA). A gene may determine a characteristic of an individual by specifying a polypeptide chain that forms a protein or part of a protein ( structural gene ); or encode an RNA molecule; or regulate the operation of other genes or repress such operation See also operon

-gene

²

suffix forming nouns

1. a variant of -gen

gene

/ jēn /

1. A segment of DNA, occupying a specific place on a chromosome, that is the basic unit of heredity. Genes act by directing the production of RNA, which determines the synthesis of proteins that make up living matter and are the catalysts of all cellular processes. The proteins that are determined by genetic DNA result in specific physical traits, such as the shape of a plant leaf, the coloration of an animal's coat, or the texture of a person's hair. Different forms of genes, called alleles , determine how these traits are expressed in a given individual. Humans are thought to have 20,000 to 25,000 genes; bacteria have between 500 and 6,000.
2. See also dominantSee Note at Mendel

gene

1. A portion of a DNA molecule that serves as the basic unit of heredity . Genes control the characteristics that an offspring will have by transmitting information in the sequence of nucleotides on short sections of DNA.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gene¹

First recorded in 1911; from German Gen (1909), apparently abstracted from -gen -gen ( def ); introduced by Danish geneticist Wilhelm L. Johannsen (1857–1927)

Word History and Origins

Origin of gene¹

C20: from German Gen, shortened from Pangen; see pan- , -gen

Example Sentences

“He’s completing phrases on the next chord change instead of singing a single sentence within chord changes. It’s very sophisticated writing,” Yoakam said of Byrd Gene Clark as we listened to the song together, like two undergraduates in a dorm room bonding over our favorite albums.

From Los Angeles Times

In the meantime, Prostate Cancer Research's report says, screening 45-69-year-olds at high risk - black men and those with a family history of the disease or particular gene mutations - would deliver an economic benefit, after factoring in the cost of treatment and the impact on working lives and carers.

From BBC

The class of 2027 is led by La Mirada’s Gene Roebuck, who averaged 24.1 points as a freshman.

From Los Angeles Times

When someone tests positive for the gene that indicates risk for a certain type of cancer, we monitor carefully.

From Los Angeles Times

But opponents say gene editing is still not proven to be safe and that they remain concerned about the implications for animal welfare.

From BBC