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gene

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

gene

Main Entry:: gene
Pronunciation:: \ˈjēn\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: German Genesis, short for Pangen, from pan- + -gen
Date:: 1911

: 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

Learn more about "gene" and related topics at Britannica.com

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