genes
genes — noun
- genessingular
- genesesplural
1. the microscopic units inside every living cell, made of DNA, that carry the inst
the microscopic units inside every living cell, made of DNA, that carry the instructions for how a living thing grows, develops, and what physical features it will have. Genes are passed from parents to their children.
The biologist studied how certain genes control the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory.
gene + control + noun phrase (what genes do)
A child inherits genes from both the mother and the father.
A faulty gene can increase the risk of developing a serious illness later in life.
Researchers are trying to identify which genes protect some plants from disease in dry climates.
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form (genes) when referring to inherited characteristics in general. The singular form (a gene) is used when talking about one specific unit of heredity.