regulatory gene

or regulator gene

noun

, Genetics.

1. any gene that exercises control over the expression of another gene or genes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of regulatory gene¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The first, called the instructive hypothesis, proposes that these shape-controlling genes function as “master” regulatory genes that supply the body instructions on how to develop different body parts.

From Popular-Science