gene

Everyday

A gene is a tiny part of the DNA inside the cells of a living thing that carries instructions passed down from parents to children, such as for eye colour or the shape of a leaf. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on inheritance and evolution, genes explain why children look like their parents and why living things vary. In everyday talk people say «it's in the genes». Phrases: «inherit genes», «good genes», «it runs in the family».

Examples

• You get your genes from both your parents. tree →
• Genes help decide your eye colour. tree →
• Tall parents often have tall children because of their genes. tree →
• Every living thing has genes, even plants. tree →
• Scientists study genes to understand diseases. tree →
• Twins who are identical have the same genes. tree →
• It runs in the family, it must be in the genes! tree →

Note

Countable. Homophone trap: «jeans» (trousers) sound the same. Related words: «genetic», «genetics», «DNA». Myth: most features, like height or being good at sport, depend on many genes and on food, practice and surroundings too.