defined:

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.

explained:

Listen to a detailed explanation. (Requires the free RealPlayer download)

Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, gives a casual definition of gene.

illustrated:

View illustration

related
terms:

base pair, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), genome, nucleus, protein

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