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The Evolving Definition of the Term "Gene"
1Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Finland petter.portin@utu.fi.
Genetics
|April 1, 2017
Summary
The definition of a gene has evolved over a century, from an abstract unit of inheritance to a DNA segment. Modern discoveries necessitate a redefinition of the gene concept in genetics.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- History of Science
Background:
- The term "gene" originated as an abstract "unit of inheritance" without material attributes.
- Early genetics defined the gene as a point on a chromosome, evolving to a DNA segment encoding polypeptides.
Observation:
- The current molecular definition of a gene, established in the 1960s, is challenged by post-1970s discoveries.
- Contemporary findings raise questions about the gene as a basic "unit of inheritance" and its autonomy.
Findings:
- The historical progression of gene definitions shows increasing complexity and confusion in the modern molecular-genetic era.
- Key developments have rendered the classic molecular gene definition obsolete.
Implications:
- A redefinition of the gene is crucial for contemporary genetics.
- New definitions must incorporate current knowledge and address the limitations of older concepts.
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Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
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