gene
Last reviewed 01/2018
A gene is a length of DNA or RNA with a suitable number of base sequences to code for the production of a single polypeptide chain. In Man, genes exist in homologous pairs within an allele.
Genes may be subdivided into:
- structural genes, forming the basic structure of proteins
- regulator genes, determining the rate and type of gene product produced
- architectural genes, coding for proteins which integrate stuctural gene products into the cell
- temporal genes, whose products determine the sequence of activation of other genes
It consist of exons and introns.