NCIt definition : A functional unit of heredity which occupies a specific position on a particular chromosome
and serves as the template for a product that contributes to a phenotype or a biological
function.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring.
Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific
protein.; BRIDG 5.3: A functional unit of heredity that occupies a specific position (locus)
on a particular chromosome, is capable of reproducing itself exactly at each cell
division, and directs the formation of a protein or other product. Comment Requested:
In interest of re-using existing standards, should the above definition of Gene be
replaced by the following from the NLM - The basic physical and functional unit of
heredity. It is made up of DNA and act as instructions to make molecules called proteins.
[Source: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/gene] EXAMPLE(S): BRCA1 gene OTHER
NAME(S): NOTE(S):;
NCIt note : The gene as a functional unit consists of a discrete segment of a giant DNA molecule
containing the purine (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidine (cytosine and thymine)
bases in the ordered and correct sequence that encodes a specific functional product
(i.e., a protein or RNA molecule).;