Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
gene
noun
/dʒiːn/
Definition
A gene is a unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and determines some characteristic of the offspring.
Examples
- The color of your eyes is determined by your genes.
- Scientists study genes to understand inherited diseases.
- Each gene can have different versions called alleles, which affect traits.
Meaning
Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins, which perform various functions in the body and influence traits.
Synonyms
- heritable unit
- DNA segment
