gene

/dʤi:n/

Thân thiện

A scientist points to a gene sequence on a large computer screen.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A unit of heredity: In genetics, a "gene" is a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA (or RNA in some viruses) that is the fundamental physical and functional unit of heredity. It typically encodes instructions for making a specific molecule, often a protein or a functional RNA molecule.
   • A segment of DNA: A "gene" is a segment of DNA that contains the information necessary for the synthesis of a functional biological product, such as a polypeptide chain. This includes coding sequences (exons), non-coding intervening sequences (introns), and regulatory regions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Scientists have identified a gene associated with a higher risk of developing the disease.
  • Eye color is determined by multiple genes.
  • The gene for insulin production was successfully inserted into the bacteria.

Advanced Usage

• "Gene expression": The process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to direct the assembly of a protein or other functional product.
  • The study focused on the regulation of gene expression during development.
• "Gene pool": The complete set of genetic information present in all members of a population or species.
  • Conservation efforts aim to protect the species' gene pool.
• "Gene therapy": An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease.
  • Gene therapy offers hope for curing certain genetic disorders.

Variants and Related Words

• Genetic (adj): Relating to genes or heredity.
  • The disease has a strong genetic component.
• Genome (n): The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
  • The human genome was fully sequenced in 2003.
• Genotype (n): The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
  • The genotype of the plant determines its potential traits.

Synonyms

• Hereditary unit: A term emphasizing its role in inheritance.
• Determiner (archaic/biological context): An older term, similar to "factor," for a unit that determines a trait.

Related Phrases (Phrasal verbs are not applicable for this noun)

• "To carry a gene": To possess a specific gene within one's DNA.
  • She carries the gene for red hair but does not express it.
• "Gene editing": The deliberate modification of an organism's genes using technologies like CRISPR.
  • Gene editing holds immense potential for medicine and agriculture.

Related Idioms

• "In the genes": Used informally to describe a trait or ability believed to be inherited.
  • Her musical talent seems to be in the genes; her parents are both accomplished musicians.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (genetics) a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
   • genes were formerly called factors

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cistron
• factor