gene
definition of gene
1. 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.1
gene-modified
definition of gene-modified
1. cells that have been altered to contain different genetic material than they originally contained.1
genetic disorder
definition of genetic disorder
1. a disease or disorder caused by an alteration or variation (mutation) in a gene or group of genes in the cells of an individual. Examples of genetic disorders include breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, Parkinson’s disease, and celiac disease. They can be inherited or can occur without a known cause.1
genetically modified food
definition of genetically modified food
1. food made from plants or animals whose genes have been changed in the laboratory. These changes may increase crop yields, control insects and weeds, or improve nutritional content. Also called genetically engineered food.1
genetics
definition of genetics
1. heredity passed from parent to offspring. Also, the identification and study of genes within an organism, their function in normal development, the consequences of gene alteration or variation (mutation), and potential treatments for genetic diseases.1