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gene

Definition

  • noun: a part of a cell that controls or influences the appearance, growth, etc., of a living thing
  • 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

Examples

  • She inherited a good set of 'genes' from her parents.

  • advances in the science of 'gene therapy'

  • the 'gene pool' of a species

Movie quotes

  • (..) Pity! Why not? Well, as far as brains go, I got the lion's share. But, when it comes to brute strength... I'm afraid I'm at the shallow end of the gene pool. There's one in every family sire... Two in mine actually. And they always manage to ruin special occasions. What am I going to do with him? (..)
    1994 The Lion King