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
And under the right circumstances, these jumping genes could help the fish adapt to changing environments and conditions, reports Elizabeth Pennisi for Science.
—
Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
Your genes and previous knee injuries can also play a role.
—Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN, 6 Aug. 2024
While scientists still don’t really know how, there are possibly specific genes that allow regeneration.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Aug. 2024
African elephants have multiple copies of this cancer suppressing gene called TP53.
—Nicholas St. Fleur, STAT, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gene 
Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
Your genes and previous knee injuries can also play a role.
—Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN, 6 Aug. 2024
While scientists still don’t really know how, there are possibly specific genes that allow regeneration.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Aug. 2024
African elephants have multiple copies of this cancer suppressing gene called TP53.
—Nicholas St. Fleur, STAT, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gene
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
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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