plural genes
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
Examples of gene in a Sentence
She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
The scientists removed a gene that controls the production of thyroxine, a hormone that regulates the amphibians’ metamorphosis.
—
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
Scientists can edit the genes of the pig to reduce the risk that a human body will reject its organ.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
What game was it based on? 11 of 11
Scientists bred animals that carry genes of what species that went extinct 13,000 years ago?
—New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Co-infection gives the two flu viruses a chance to swap genes, potentially creating a bird flu virus that spreads as easily as the seasonal variety.
—Amy Maxmen | Kff Health News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gene
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Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
Scientists can edit the genes of the pig to reduce the risk that a human body will reject its organ.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
What game was it based on? 11 of 11
Scientists bred animals that carry genes of what species that went extinct 13,000 years ago?
—New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Co-infection gives the two flu viruses a chance to swap genes, potentially creating a bird flu virus that spreads as easily as the seasonal variety.
—Amy Maxmen | Kff Health News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gene
noun
: a part of DNA or sometimes RNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait or activity (as eye color or metabolism) or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes
Medical Definition
gene
noun
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
called also determinant, determiner, factor
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