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
For example, mutations in myosin genes involved in inner ear function can cause hereditary hearing loss, as these proteins are essential for the proper operation of sensory hair cells.
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 2026
The idea that phenotypes could be a valid approach to understand conditions such as PCOS that are caused by multiple genes is being challenged, said Helena Teede, a professor of women’s health at Monash University in Australia.
—Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
Once the mission concludes, researchers plan to analyze the tissue samples at the molecular level to assess how thousands of genes responded to spaceflight.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2026
What its cells and genes reveal about survival over that timespan could reshape understanding of biological aging across species.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gene
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 2026
The idea that phenotypes could be a valid approach to understand conditions such as PCOS that are caused by multiple genes is being challenged, said Helena Teede, a professor of women’s health at Monash University in Australia.
—Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
Once the mission concludes, researchers plan to analyze the tissue samples at the molecular level to assess how thousands of genes responded to spaceflight.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2026
What its cells and genes reveal about survival over that timespan could reshape understanding of biological aging across species.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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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