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
The model is trained on the DNA of over 100,000 different species and aims to enable researchers to better understand patterns in genes across species.
—
Alex Knapp, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The gene changes often occur due to environmental factors or dietary habits.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Feb. 2025
The first two came from a group in Colombia with mutations to the presenilin 1 gene.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 12 Feb. 2025
In the lab, Mason has introduced the gene into human cells and produced substantial reductions in DNA damage.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
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Alex Knapp, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The gene changes often occur due to environmental factors or dietary habits.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Feb. 2025
The first two came from a group in Colombia with mutations to the presenilin 1 gene.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 12 Feb. 2025
In the lab, Mason has introduced the gene into human cells and produced substantial reductions in DNA damage.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 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 3 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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