gene S3 W3 / dʒin / 名词 [可数名词]

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

形容词

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.

动词

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.