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Gene - Glossary Entry

Definition(s)

The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.

Definition from: Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. (Physician Data Query)   at the National Library of Medicine

The basic unit of heredity, consisting of a segment of DNA arranged in a linear manner along a chromosome, which codes for a specific protein or segment of protein leading to a particular characteristic or function

Definition from: GeneTestsThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. from the University of Washington and Children's Health System, Seattle

Related discussion in the Handbook

 
Published: October 8, 2004

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