Gene (Noun)

Meaning

(genetics) a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity; "genes were formerly called factors".

Classification

Nouns denoting body parts.

Examples

• The gene for cystic fibrosis has been mapped to chromosome 7.
• Scientists are studying the gene that controls eye color in humans.
• Mutations in the BRCA1 gene have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
• The human genome contains around 20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes.
• Research has shown that the gene responsible for intelligence is highly complex and involves multiple genetic variants.

Synonyms

• Cistron
• Factor

Hyponyms

• Suppressor Gene
• Allelomorph
• Transforming Gene
• Linked Genes
• Suppresser Gene
• Suppresser
• Modifier Gene
• Holandric Gene
• Regulator Gene

Related Words

• Genetic (adjective)
• Genetical (adjective)
• Genic (adjective)