Meaning & Definition of Gene in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A gene is a sequence of DNA that contains the necessary information to produce a specific protein or function.

  Example Sentence: The gene for blue eyes is a recessive trait.

• Definition: Genes are the basic physical and functional units of heredity.

  Example Sentence: Genetics research focuses on understanding how genes influence traits.

• Definition: A gene can also refer to a unit of hereditary information in the form of a sequence of nucleotides.

  Example Sentence: Scientists mapped the human gene responsible for a certain disease.

Etymology

Origin: Derived from the Greek word 'genea' meaning 'generation' or 'race'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• gene pool: The total genetic diversity found within a population.
• jumping genes: Genes that can move around within the genome.
• turning on a gene: Activating a gene to produce its corresponding protein.

Translations

• Spanish: gen

• French: gène

• German: Gen

• Russian: ген

Related Words

• allele: A variant form of a gene.

• genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

• chromosome: A structure found in cells that contains DNA and genetic information.

Slang Meanings of gene

• Meaning: Gene is used humorously to refer to someone's inherent traits.

  Example Sentence: He's got the athletic gene; he wins every race!

• Meaning: To have the gene for something implies you are naturally inclined towards it.

  Example Sentence: She's got the music gene; she plays multiple instruments.