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

1. a variant of -gen

gene

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 dominant recessive See 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

Hundreds of studies over the years have explored the complex genetics of autism, with both inherited and spontaneous genes contributing to the condition.

From Los Angeles Times

Coe also confirmed that all athletes who competed in the female category at the World Championships had undergone gene testing - and that the test is here to stay.

From BBC

It is caused by a gene defect, and a person with the condition has a 50% chance of passing it on to a child of their own.

From BBC

"The crustacyanin, the blue colour, is under the control of two genes and we don't see any relationship with those genes and anything that might constitute a trend towards changes in climate," he said.

From BBC

In his interview with BBC Sport, Coe also confirmed all female athletes competing at the championships have undergone new gene testing.

From BBC

When To Use

What is a gene?

A gene is a sequence of nucleotides along a strand of DNA that a cell nucleus uses to produce proteins. Genes determine the specific traits of an organism.DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a large molecule that is shaped like a double helix sometimes described as a twisty ladder. The rungs of the ladder are made of molecules called nucleotides. These rungs, or bases, are arranged in a specific order that creates a set of instructions, which is known as a gene.When the body needs to do something or build something, it often requires a protein. Genes are the instructions that the cells read for how to build proteins. Proteins have very specific jobs, so scientists name genes based on what job their linked proteins are designed to do. For example, hair proteins come from hair genes, while eye proteins come from eye genes.Every living organism has genes. Animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and even the humble amoeba all have genes. The more closely related two organisms are, the more similar their genes will be. For example a dog and a wolf, which are from the same genus, will have similar genes, while a dog and a human, which are not part of the same genus, will have much different genes from each other.