gene
JEEN
/dʒiːn/
A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring. It is a distinct sequence of nucleotides forming part of a chromosome.
A specific segment of DNA that codes for a particular trait, protein, or functional RNA molecule.
The story behind the word. The word 'gene' was coined in 1909 by Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen, derived from the Greek genos, meaning 'birth,' 'descent,' or 'race.' He needed a concise term for the fundamental physical and functional unit of heredity, distinct from the observable characteristics (phenotype) it produced.
Word relationships
- hereditary unit: More descriptive, less common in scientific parlance.
- trait factor: Emphasizes its role in determining characteristics.
Word family
- genetic (adjective): Relating to genes or heredity.
- genetics (noun): The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
Collocations
- dominant gene
- recessive gene
- gene expression
- gene therapy
- gene editing
Example sentences
- "The color of a person's eyes is determined by several interacting genes inherited from their parents." Explaining genetic inheritance.
- "Scientists have identified a specific gene that plays a crucial role in the development of certain neurological disorders." Referring to a specific genetic instruction.
Memory hook
A 'gene' is the 'genesis' of a trait. Genesis of traits.
When not to use
Don't confuse 'gene' with 'genome' (the entire set of genes) or 'DNA' (the molecule itself, which contains many genes).
Fun facts
- Humans have approximately 20,000-25,000 genes.
- The first gene was isolated in 1969 by a team at Harvard Medical School.
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