gene
Definition
A gene is a segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein. Proteins are the building blocks of life, and they control everything from how your body looks to how it works.
Genes are made up of a sequence of nucleotides. Nucleotides are the basic units of DNA. There are four different nucleotides: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). The sequence of nucleotides in a gene determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its structure and function. For example, the protein haemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood. The sequence of amino acids in haemoglobin determines how it folds into its characteristic shape and how it binds to oxygen.
Genes are passed down from parents to their children. This is how traits like eye colour, hair colour, and height are inherited. When a sperm cell fertilises an egg cell, the two cells combine their DNA to form a new cell. This new cell contains all of the genes that the child will inherit from their parents.
The study of genes is called genetics. Genetics is a complex and fascinating field of science. Scientists are still learning about how genes work and how they affect our bodies.
How can the word be used?
Scientists are studying the genes that control aging.
Different forms of the word
Noun: gene.
Adjective: genetic.
Verb: to gene.
Adverb: genetically.
Synonym: allele.
Etymology
The word "gene" comes from the Greek word "gen" (γεν), which means "to produce" or "to give birth". The word "gene" was first used in the early 20th century to describe the basic unit of heredity.
Question
What are genes?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question: What is the function of genes?
Answer:
Genes are the basic units of heredity. They are made up of DNA, and they contain the instructions for building proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of cells, and they control all of the functions of the body.
Genes control everything from our eye colour to our height to our susceptibility to diseases. They are responsible for our physical characteristics, our personality traits, and even our risk of developing certain diseases.
Genes are passed from parents to offspring through the process of reproduction. When a sperm cell fertilises an egg cell, the two cells combine their genetic material to form a new organism. The new organism will inherit half of its genes from its mother and half from its father.
Mutations in genes can cause changes in an organism's phenotype, which is its physical appearance. Mutations can also cause genetic disorders, which are diseases that are caused by changes in genes.
Scientists are studying genes to learn more about how they work and how they control the body. This research is leading to new treatments for diseases and new ways to prevent them.