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
Fighting a Family Curse: A mutant gene gradually laid waste to her mother’s and grandmother’s brains.
—
John Branch, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
According to the study authors, editing out this gene could potentially yield a variety of grapefruit that doesn’t interfere with medication in this way.
—Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
In those cases, doctors can sometimes target a gene.
—Brooke Eby, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Now scientists have discovered a dormant gene that could be reactivated to regenerate heart tissue, preventing the progression to heart failure.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
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John Branch, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
According to the study authors, editing out this gene could potentially yield a variety of grapefruit that doesn’t interfere with medication in this way.
—Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
In those cases, doctors can sometimes target a gene.
—Brooke Eby, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Now scientists have discovered a dormant gene that could be reactivated to regenerate heart tissue, preventing the progression to heart failure.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 18 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 30 Jan. 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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