Gene

Definition

Gene is a unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and determines some characteristic of the offspring. It is a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dʒin/
• Respelling: JEEN (with "JEEN" as in "jeep")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dʒiːn/
• Respelling: JEEN (with "JEEN" as in "jeep")

In both dialects, "gene" places the primary stress on the entire syllable. The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "JEEN."

Etymology

The term "gene" was introduced by the Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909. It is derived from the Greek word "genos" which means "race" or "kind."

Derivatives

• Genetic (adjective)
• Genetically (adverb)
• Genomics (noun)
• Genotype (noun)
• Genomics (noun)

Synonyms

• Genetic material
• DNA segment
• Hereditary unit

Antonyms

• None (specific to "gene" as a biological term)

Usage

Genes play a crucial role in biology, medicine, and genetics. They are responsible for the transmission of inherited traits from one generation to the next and influence the physical and biochemical characteristics of organisms. Understanding genes is essential for studying genetic diseases, evolutionary biology, and the development of organisms.

Related Terms

• Chromosome
• DNA
• Mutation
• Genome
• Genetic engineering

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Segment of DNA: A sequence of nucleotides in DNA that encodes the synthesis of a protein, which in turn affects the structure and function of the cells in an organism.
  • Example: The gene responsible for eye color is located on chromosome 15.

• Heredity: The basic physical and functional unit of heredity, passed from parents to offspring, determining inherited characteristics.
  • Example: Certain genes are linked to hereditary diseases like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.