regulatory gene

noun

variants or regulator gene
: a gene that regulates the expression of one or more structural genes by controlling the production of a protein (such as a genetic repressor) which regulates their rate of transcription

Examples of regulatory gene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Developmental biologists have had tremendous success in identifying networks of regulatory genes that talk to one another — cascading systems of feedback loops that turn genes on or off at exactly the right time and place to build, say, an eye or a leg. Quanta Magazine, 18 Sep. 2023 In Gray’s case, the gene editor built by Crispr Therapeutics intentionally crippled a regulatory gene in her bone marrow cells, boosting production of a dormant, fetal form of hemoglobin, and overcoming a mutation that leads to poor production of the adult form of the oxygen-carrying molecule. Megan Molteni, Wired, 7 July 2020 None of this is that surprising, EDAR is a significant regulatory gene which shapes the peripheries and exterior of an organism. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of regulatory gene was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near regulatory gene

Cite this Entry

“Regulatory gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regulatory%20gene. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

regulatory gene

noun
variants or regulator gene
: a gene that regulates the expression of one or more structural genes by controlling the production of a protein (as a genetic repressor) which regulates their rate of transcription
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