Etymology:
"Gene" is derived from the Greek word "genos", meaning "descendant," "lineage," or "offspring."
Meaning and Origin:
In biology, a gene refers to a specific region of DNA or RNA that contains the instructions for synthesizing a particular protein or functional RNA molecule. Genes are the fundamental units of heredity, transmitted from parents to offspring through the process of reproduction.
The term "gene" was first coined by the Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909. He used it to describe the units of heredity that determine specific traits or characteristics of an organism. Johannsen's definition of a gene was based on his observations of plant breeding experiments, where he found that certain inherited traits remained consistent through multiple generations.
Before the concept of the gene was established, scientists believed that traits were inherited through a blending of parental characteristics. However, Johannsen's research demonstrated that traits were discrete and remained distinct in offspring, suggesting the existence of discrete units of inheritance.
The understanding of genes has evolved significantly since Johannsen's time, with advances in genetics and molecular biology revealing their molecular structure and function. Today, genes are recognized as complex units of DNA or RNA that encode genetic information and play a crucial role in determining the characteristics and development of living organisms.
Etymology The word genetic originates from the Greek word genos meaning origin or
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Etymology Gene is derived from the Greek word genos meaning descendant lineage
Etymology The term genome is derived from two Greek words genos γένος meani
Etymology Gene is derived from the Greek word genos meaning descendant lineage
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