gene
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gene
A unit of hereditary information in biology that is located on DNA. A gene contains the instructions for building a particular protein and thus determines a trait of a living organism.
Forscher haben das Gen entdeckt, das für die Augenfarbe verantwortlich ist.
Researchers have discovered the gene that is responsible for eye color.
The word stem 'Gen-' (gene/genetic) is the basis for many important words in biology and medicine. If you see 'Gen-' at the beginning of a word, it probably has to do with genetics, as in 'Gentechnik' (genetic engineering), 'Genforschung' (genetic research), or 'Genanalyse' (gene analysis).
Die moderne Genforschung macht große Fortschritte.
Modern genetic research is making great progress.
'Gen' (gene) is a technical term from biology. However, it is also used very frequently in everyday language when people talk about health, heredity, or personal traits.
Manche sagen, das musikalische Talent liegt bei ihr in den Genen.
Some people say her musical talent is in her genes.
To describe what a gene is responsible for, the construction 'das Gen für' (the gene for) + accusative is almost always used. This names the trait or characteristic.
Man hat das Gen für diese Krankheit noch nicht identifiziert.
The gene for this disease has not yet been identified.
Common verbs in connection with 'Gen' (gene) are 'ein Gen tragen' (to carry a gene), 'ein Gen erben' (to inherit a gene), or 'ein Gen verändern' (to alter a gene). Adjectives are often 'dominant' (dominant), 'rezessiv' (recessive), or 'defekt' (defective).
Er hat die seltenen Gene von seinen beiden Eltern geerbt.
He inherited the rare genes from both of his parents.
inheritance / heritage
'das Gen' and 'das Erbe' can both have to do with heredity in biology. A gene is a single unit of hereditary information on DNA. In this context, 'Erbe' means the total genetic information that is passed on by the parents. Learners may confuse the words because both make you think of traits that children get from their parents. To be precise: a gene is a specific part; genetic heritage is the whole that is passed on.
Die Ärztin erklärt, dass ein bestimmtes Gen die Augenfarbe beeinflussen kann.
The doctor explains that a certain gene can influence eye color.
Manche Krankheiten gehören zum genetischen Erbe einer Familie.
Some diseases are part of a family's genetic heritage.