gene

Definition

A gene is a unit of heredity. It 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 located on chromosomes. Chromosomes are thread-like structures in the nucleus of cells. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46 chromosomes.

Genes are passed down from parents to their children. This is how traits like eye colour, hair colour, and height are inherited.

How can the word be used?

Genes are the basic units of heredity.

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?