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gene (jēn)   the biologic unit of heredity; self-reproducing, transmitted from parent to progeny, and located at a specific position in the genome. Genes make up segments of the complex DNA molecules that control cell reproduction and function. There are thousands of genes in the chromosomes of each cell nucleus; they play an important role in heredity because they control the individual physical, biochemical, and physiologic traits inherited by offspring from their parents. Through the genetic code of DNA, they also control the day-to-day functions and reproduction of all cells in the body. For example, they control the synthesis of structural proteins, as well as the enzymes that regulate various chemical reactions that take place in a cell.




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