# gene

/ˈdʒin/ (US) · /dʒˈiːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gene
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. unit of heredity

noun · CEFR B2

a part of a cell that is passed from parents to children and determines how they look and grow.

For teachers: a functional unit of heredity that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and determines a particular characteristic in an organism.

- She has the gene for red hair, just like her mother and grandmother.
- Scientists have identified a specific gene that may increase a person's risk of developing certain heart conditions later in life.

### 2. DNA segment

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a specific piece of DNA that contains the instructions for making proteins in your body.

For teachers: a sequence of DNA or RNA which codes for a molecule that has a function, such as a protein or an RNA molecule.

- The researchers are studying how this gene turns on and off in different cells.
- The precise mapping of the human genome has allowed researchers to isolate the individual genes responsible for synthesising essential metabolic enzymes.

Usage: Often used with verbs like 'express', 'encode', or 'sequence' in technical contexts.

## Examples

- She has the gene for blue eyes.
- Scientists are studying which genes make certain plants more resistant to dry weather.
- The expression of a specific gene can be influenced by environmental factors, meaning that having the genetic code for a trait does not always guarantee its physical manifestation.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.