gene

gene
gene S3 W3 /dʒiːn/ noun [countable]a part of a cell in a living thing that controls what it looks like, how it grows, and how it develops. People get their genes from their parents. ⇨ genetic:
    human genes
    the genes that regulate cell division
     

COLLOCATIONS

■ adjectives
   ▪ a dominant gene (=a gene that has its effect when there is only one copy of it) The disease occurs when a child inherits a single dominant gene from a parent with the disease.
   ▪ a recessive gene (=a gene that has its effect only when there are two copies of it) The gene for blue eyes is recessive.
   ▪ a defective/faulty gene (=a gene that does not work properly) The disease is caused by a defective gene.
   ▪ a human gene The actual number of human genes is still in dispute.
■ verbs
   ▪ have a gene Identical twins have the same genes.
   ▪ carry a gene (=have a gene that causes a medical condition which you can pass on to your children) Some women carry a gene which makes them more likely to develop breast cancer.
   ▪ pass on a gene (=pass a gene to your children) All animals try to maximize their chances of passing on their genes to the next generation.
   ▪ inherit a gene (=get a gene from your parents) Children who inherit the defective gene seem normal at birth apart from a deformity of the toe.
   ▪ identify/discover a gene (=find a particular gene which is responsible for something) Scientists have identified a gene which seems to protect Chinese people from some types of cancer.
■ gene + NOUN
   ▪ the gene pool (=all the genes in a particular species) It is hoped that these new wolves will mate with the native population and increase the wolves' gene pool.
   ▪ gene therapy (=using genes to treat diseases) Scientists have successfully treated the disease using gene therapy.