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The problem of the gene.

M R Dietrich1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA. Michael.Dietrich@Dartmouth.edu

Comptes Rendus De L'Academie Des Sciences. Serie III, Sciences De La Vie
|January 9, 2001
PubMed
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The classical gene concept has fragmented into multiple meanings. While a unified gene concept is unlikely, specific disciplinary concepts are valuable, but political factors influence their use.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Philosophy of Science

Background:

  • The early 20th century saw genetics unified by a classical gene concept encompassing structure, function, mutation, and recombination.
  • Since the 1940s, the term 'gene' has fragmented, referring to different concepts in various contexts (e.g., disease-related, regulatory, structural, frequency).

Observation:

  • The term 'gene' is now used ambiguously across different scientific disciplines.
  • This ambiguity raises questions about the possibility and desirability of a comprehensive, unifying gene concept.

Findings:

  • Fully comprehensive gene concepts appear untenable in contemporary science.
  • However, unifying, yet non-comprehensive, gene concepts can hold significant epistemic value within specific disciplinary domains.
  • The persistence of the 'problem of the gene' is driven more by its political implications than its epistemic utility.

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Implications:

  • The desirability and adoption of new gene concepts are influenced by their political ramifications and the historical context of their contestation.
  • Understanding the political dimensions is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of gene concepts in genetics and related fields.