WANI Dictionary

Gene

Gene is a conceptual unit of heredity that carries a specific genetic information. The genetic information of a gene is encoded by DNA or RNA sequences.

In classic genetics, a gene is represented as a discrete particle that occupies a specific locus of a chromosome. Different forms of a gene is called alleles.

In modern genetics, which has integrated molecular biology, a gene represents a specific region of DNA or RNA characterized with a specific function.

Definitions in the literature

• A gene is often defined as a sequence of DNA nucleotides that is transcribed into a single RNA molecule, although the widespread occurrence and complexity of transcription makes this definition problematic [1].
• Genetic factor that helps determine a trait; often defined at the molecular level as a DNA sequence that is transcribed into an RNA molecule [2].
• A part of chromosome that encodes an RNA or protein product in its DNA sequence [3]. (Not appropriate; mtDNA also encodes genes.)
• A unit of heredity composed of DNA [4].