Gene:
A section of a chromosome, made up of DNA. A given gene provides the information a cell needs to create a specific protein. Collectively, the genes of an organism inform, to some extent, nearly every aspect of the development and formation of that organism. Genes do not, however, dictate behaviors or traits, and neither are genetically informed behaviors and traits incapable of being modified or supplanted; environmental factors also play a very important part in influencing the organism's development and formation.

Return to DNA 101