Genes

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Genes

Genes (/dʒiːnz/; from Greek: γένος, génos, "birth, family") are the basic physical and functional units of heredity. They are made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which contains the instructions needed for an organism to develop, survive, and reproduce.

Etymology

The term "gene" was coined by the Danish botanist, plant physiologist and geneticist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909. It is derived from the Greek word "γένος" (génos), which means "birth" or "family".

Function

Genes act as instructions to make molecules called proteins. In humans, genes vary in size from a few hundred DNA bases to more than 2 million bases. The Human Genome Project has estimated that humans have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes.

Related Terms

  • Allele: One of two or more versions of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome.
  • Chromosome: A structure found inside the cell nucleus which contains a gene.
  • DNA: The molecule that carries genetic instructions in all living things.
  • Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material in a cell or organism.
  • Genotype: The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
  • Phenotype: The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
  • Protein: A molecule composed of polymers of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds.

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