suppresser gene
Noun: A suppresser gene is a specific type of gene that acts to inhibit or reduce the observable expression (the phenotype) of another gene. Its primary function is to counteract or "suppress" the effects, particularly those of a mutant or altered gene.
This term is used in the specialized field of genetics. It describes a gene whose product interferes with the expression of another gene's trait, often masking the effect of a harmful mutation. * The researcher identified a suppresser gene that prevented the mutant trait from appearing in the offspring. * In some genetic pathways, a suppresser gene can restore a normal phenotype even in the presence of a mutation.
- Genetic Suppression: This is the broader process or phenomenon where the expression of one gene is negated by another. A suppresser gene is the agent that causes genetic suppression.
- The phenomenon of genetic suppression was key to understanding the network of gene interactions.
- Suppressor Gene: This is the more common and preferred modern spelling. "Suppresser gene" is a recognized variant.
- Suppressor (noun): A general term for any agent that suppresses. In genetics, it can refer to the gene itself or its product.
- The protein acted as a suppressor of tumor growth.
- Tumor Suppressor Gene: A specific and critically important class of suppresser genes that control cell division and prevent cancer.
- Mutations in tumor suppressor genes can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
- Inhibitory Gene: A gene that functions to inhibit a biological process.
- Modifier Gene: A broader term for a gene that alters the phenotypic expression of another gene.
The core meaning is specific to genetics. The word "suppresser" alone (without "gene") can have general meanings in other contexts, such as: * A device or person that suppresses something (e.g., a noise suppressor, a riot suppressor).
- a gene that suppresses the phenotypic expression of another gene (especially of a mutant gene)