Gene

From RationalWiki

A gene is section of DNA that codes for specific aspect of a living thing. Usually a gene corresponds to a specific protein, following the central dogma of "Gene->RNA->Protein", but a gene may code for more than one protein due to the same chain of amino acids being folded in more than one way, or may code for gene regulation rather than being expressed itself. Genes are organized into chromosomes more or less randomly, though some genes, for example the HOX developmental genes are organized by order of expression. The randomness of organization means that genes can be linked by being close enough together to avoid being split during meiosis; this results in correlations such as blue eyes and blindness in cats, which are not directly causative.

Genes code for a lot, but not all, of the features seen in life, and usually outside factors such as environment will also have a hand in shaping the final form. These outside influences are studied in epigenetics.

[edit] See also

• Meme, for the vain attempt to apply the laws of genetics to intangible objects.
• Gene Ray, an unusual type of radiation.
• Gene-centered view of evolution