Definition of 'gene'

Word Frequency

gene

(dʒiːn )

Word forms: plural genes

countable noun

A gene is the part of a cell in a living thing which controls its physical characteristics, growth, and development.

Word Frequency

gene in British

(dʒiːn )

noun

a unit of heredity composed of DNA occupying a fixed position on a chromosome (some viral genes are composed of RNA). A gene may determine a characteristic of an individual by specifying a polypeptide chain that forms a protein or part of a protein (structural gene); or encode an RNA molecule; or regulate the operation of other genes or repress such operation

Gene in American

(dʒin ; jēn)

noun

a masculine name

gene in American

(dʒin ; jēn)

noun

Genetics

any of the units occurring at specific points on the chromosomes, by which hereditary characters are transmitted and determined: each is regarded as a particular state of organization of the chromatin in the chromosome, consisting primarily of DNA and protein

see also dominant, recessive, Mendel's laws

Word origin of 'gene'

< Ger gen, short for pangen (< pan-, pan- + -gen, -gen, after pangenesis)

Example sentences containing 'gene'

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Perhaps because the search for more efficient egg production now involves jellyfish genes. Times, Sunday Times (2017)Supporting smaller farms also avoids mass consolidation which narrows the gene pool and renders crops less resilient against disease. Times, Sunday Times (2016)This new study builds on that work by identifying or confirming a raft of genes we inherited from our prehistoric relations. Times, Sunday Times (2016)She puts her youthful appearance down to her personal trainer, long walks and good genes. The Sun (2016)If the breed you pick is niche, remember that gene pools are finite. Times, Sunday Times (2016)SOCIAL media addicts may have their genes to blame, a report claims. The Sun (2017)The technique involves injecting a virus into the eye to deliver replacements for faulty genes, which can then produce the missing proteins that cause sight loss. Times, Sunday Times (2016)More than 100 genes determine how we manage cholesterol, so be aware of any family history of heart disease. The Sun (2016)Now we learn that good genes will help the lucky. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The pair of genes may produce the same or differing effects. McCahill, T. A. Biology Basic Facts (1982)We are familiar with the idea that we inherit the genes we have from our parents. Times, Sunday Times (2015)This switches on other genes that cause cells to grow out of control. Times, Sunday Times (2011) Individual genes are just not very informative. Times, Sunday Times (2009)The location of a gene on the chromosome. Wills, Christopher The Runaway Brain: the Evolution of Human Uniqueness (1993)Your genes help determine the amount of cholesterol your body produces. Westcott, Patsy Alternative Health Care for Women (1991)These genes code for proteins that appear to play a role in appetite control. Times, Sunday Times (2008)What properties of our gene pools could have allowed such an astonishing process to take place? Wills, Christopher The Runaway Brain: the Evolution of Human Uniqueness (1993)Do their bodies look as though they will pass on good genes to her offspring? Times, Sunday Times (2007)Some volunteers who carry the gene may be given drug treatment as early as their twenties. Times, Sunday Times (2012)But my daughter has inherited some freak genes from somewhere that make her very good at it. The Sun (2014)Tests on mice showed stress altered the release of immune cell genes. The Sun (2013)All cancers are caused by mutations in individual genes. The Sun (2010)That could mean the strength of our consciences is partly determined by our genes. Times, Sunday Times (2009)The proteins that copy genes were turned into systems for determining the information within them. Oliver Morton Eating the Sun: How Plants Power the Planet (2007)The map can determine whether the embryo has inherited chunks of chromosome that contain any faulty gene. Times, Sunday Times (2008)This makes them a special gene pool. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Some of our chromosomes are as much as two hundred million bases long and carry the information for thousands of genes. Wills, Christopher The Runaway Brain: the Evolution of Human Uniqueness (1993)What we didn't know is that they also change the behaviour of our genes. Times, Sunday Times (2013)For many, the link between genes and addictive behaviour is the brain. Times, Sunday Times (2011)This is likely to involve many genes, some of which have been identified. Times, Sunday Times (2006)

Word Lists

Biology terms

Trends of 'gene'

Very Common. gene is one of the 4000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Nearby words of 'gene'

Related Terms of 'gene'

Source

Definition of gene from the Collins English Dictionary

Possessive pronouns

Possessive pronouns are used when you want to indicate who owns or is associated with an item. All those books are hers. Those suitcases are ours. Are you selling those books? I’d never sell any o...