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Schematic diagram showing the relationship between a chromosome, DNA, a gene, exons and introns.

gene

(genetic biology)

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  • Grammar: noun
    plural:
    genes
  • Definition: a hereditary unit located on chromosomes. Genes contain the instructions for developing and operating living things, and are the DNA codes for a particular protein.
  • Example:
    1. Complex functions like memory can be achieved by activating relatively few genes.

    2. There is a large phenotypic variation in Hawaiian honeyeaters, even though they are more than 99% genetically identical.
  • Related Word: genetic (adjective), genetically (adverb)


  • Search history: gene

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