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
Listen to this article A UConn professor and researcher who 28 years ago discovered a gene for a protein that limits human muscle growth is closer than ever to having that work play a significant role in treating those with debilitating spinal muscular atrophy.
—
Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025
Clues in the eyes, gut and immune system The challenge now is finding one or more biomarkers — genes, proteins or other substances associated with a specific condition — that can help diagnose long Covid.
—Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025
That can suppress or activate genes, potentially leading to systemic aging effects, Choi said.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 10 Mar. 2025
Around 100 genes have been associated with autism; if an identical twin has autism, the other twin has about an 80% likelihood of also having autism, which more strongly suggests genetic links.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gene
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Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025
Clues in the eyes, gut and immune system The challenge now is finding one or more biomarkers — genes, proteins or other substances associated with a specific condition — that can help diagnose long Covid.
—Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025
That can suppress or activate genes, potentially leading to systemic aging effects, Choi said.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 10 Mar. 2025
Around 100 genes have been associated with autism; if an identical twin has autism, the other twin has about an 80% likelihood of also having autism, which more strongly suggests genetic links.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 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 22 Mar. 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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