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
Those opposed to the ad say the company used a blonde, blue-eyed, white woman as a symbol of good genes.
—
Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025
International Cat Care says that inherited deafness in white cats is often linked to the presence of the dominant white gene, which can cause degeneration of the inner ear's structures during kittenhood.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
But when the gene was activated, the cells produced more differentiation markers, proteins that tell us the cell is maturing into a fully functioning osteoblast.
—New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2025
The team focused on two main lines of evidence: what the animal looks like on the outside and what its genes reveal.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gene
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Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025
International Cat Care says that inherited deafness in white cats is often linked to the presence of the dominant white gene, which can cause degeneration of the inner ear's structures during kittenhood.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
But when the gene was activated, the cells produced more differentiation markers, proteins that tell us the cell is maturing into a fully functioning osteoblast.
—New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2025
The team focused on two main lines of evidence: what the animal looks like on the outside and what its genes reveal.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 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 9 Aug. 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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