Definition

Noun: * An exogenous gene introduced into the genome of another organism: A segment of genetic material (DNA) that is artificially transferred from the genome of one organism into the genome of a different, often unrelated, organism.

Usage

The term "transgene" is used in the context of genetic engineering and biotechnology. It refers specifically to the foreign gene that has been successfully integrated and can be passed on to subsequent generations. It is a countable noun.

Examples

• The transgene for herbicide resistance was successfully expressed in the crop plants.
• Researchers are studying the long-term stability of the inserted transgene.
• The mouse model carries a human transgene to study a specific disease.

Advanced Usage

• Transgenic (adjective): Describing an organism that contains a transgene.
  • The transgenic corn plant produces its own insecticide.
• Transgenesis (noun): The process of introducing a transgene into an organism to create a transgenic organism.
  • The laboratory specializes in methods of transgenesis.

Variants and Related Words

• Transgenic: (Adjective) Possessing or relating to a transgene.
• Transgenesis: (Noun) The process or technology of introducing transgenes.

Different Meanings

As a technical term in genetics, "transgene" has a single, specific meaning related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It does not have common alternative meanings in everyday language.

Synonyms

• Foreign gene: A more general term.
• Inserted gene: Describes its state after introduction.
• Exogenous gene: A technical synonym emphasizing its origin from outside the organism.

Antonyms

• Endogenous gene: A gene that originates from within the organism's own genome.
• Native gene: A gene naturally present in the organism.

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Gene knockout: A related technique where an endogenous gene is made inoperative, often contrasted with adding a transgene.
• Recombinant DNA: The DNA molecule formed by combining genes from different sources, which may contain a transgene.
• Genetically Modified Organism (GMO): An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques, typically involving a transgene.

Noun

1. an exogenous gene introduced into the genome of another organism