Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms

Listen to Definition

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. defines Gene

Gene

The gene is the basic physical unit of inheritance. Genes are passed from parents to offspring and contain the information needed to specify traits. Genes are arranged, one after another, on structures called chromosomes. A chromosome contains a single, long DNA molecule, only a portion of which corresponds to a single gene. Humans have approximately 23,000 genes arranged on their chromosomes.

Mail to friendSend this term to a friend How to cite this termHow to cite this term for research papers

Suggest a Term | About the Talking Glossary

all
Bookmark and Share