|
|
Article: Gene
- Article from:
- Genetics
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Gene
Genes are functional units of DNA that contain the instructions for making proteins or RNA. Genes also act as units of heredity, transferring the same instructions from parent to offspring. The nature, structure, and regulation of genes has been a central topic of scientific research for more than 100 years.
History of the Gene and Structure of DNA
Genes were first defined as units of hereditary transmission. The name "gene" was coined by Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909, although the concept of a discrete unit governing inherited characteristics goes back at least to Gregor Mendel in 1861. The work of Thomas Hunt Morgan and his colleagues established that genes were located on ...