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 virus is able to mix and match its genes with local influenza viruses if one animal is infected with multiple flu viruses.
—
Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025
This is basically a mechanism where methyl groups are added to segments of DNA, essentially turning a gene on or off.
—New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
In an old but often-cited Danish study on twins, researchers found that about 25 percent of longevity was heritable—in other words, predetermined by your genes.
—Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 1 Feb. 2025
To detect for authenticity, a test strip is placed into a DNA sample solution and examines for the presence of a gene specific to Atlantic white shrimp, which are particularly prone to substitution.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
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Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025
This is basically a mechanism where methyl groups are added to segments of DNA, essentially turning a gene on or off.
—New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
In an old but often-cited Danish study on twins, researchers found that about 25 percent of longevity was heritable—in other words, predetermined by your genes.
—Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 1 Feb. 2025
To detect for authenticity, a test strip is placed into a DNA sample solution and examines for the presence of a gene specific to Atlantic white shrimp, which are particularly prone to substitution.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for gene
Dictionary Entries Near gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 11 Feb. 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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