gene

[/dʒiːn/]
nounmasculinepl: genes
gene
1. A unit of heredity consisting of a segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or trait
Scientists discovered a gene responsible for eye color.
Os cientistas descobriram um gene responsável pela cor dos olhos.
2. A hereditary factor passed from parent to offspring
She inherited the gene for curly hair from her mother.
Ela herdou o gene para cabelo cacheado de sua mãe.
3. In genetics, the basic unit of hereditary information
The human genome contains approximately 20,000 genes.
O genoma humano contém aproximadamente 20.000 genes.
The term 'gene' is universally used in scientific communities across English and Portuguese-speaking countries. In Brazil and Portugal, discussions about genetics in education and medicine use the same terminology. The concept has become increasingly relevant in popular culture, with terms like 'gene' appearing in everyday conversations about health, ancestry, and genetic testing services.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hereditary factorgenetic unitallele

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
gene
Standard term used in scientific and medical contexts
Portugal
gene
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, universal in scientific terminology
USA
gene
Standard English term used in genetics and biology

Related Words

geneticsDNAgenomehereditymutationproteinchromosome

Related Idioms & Phrases

good genes - referring to inherited traits or family characteristics
it's in your genes - meaning something is hereditary or naturally inherited
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