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lethal gene

American  

noun

Genetics.
  1. a gene that under certain conditions causes the death of an organism.


Etymology

Origin of lethal gene

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Male offspring survive to pass on the lethal gene.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 17, 2019

Only the eldest, Susan, didn't carry the lethal gene.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2018

They have been genetically engineered to pass a lethal gene to their offspring, which die before they can reach adulthood.

From New York Times • Jan. 30, 2016

Genetically altered Aedes aegypti mosquitos developed by the biotech firm Oxitec carry a lethal gene that prevents their female offspring from maturing.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 15, 2015

When the modified mosquitoes mate with the local A. aegyptimosquitoes, they spread the lethal gene through the population, in theory causing it to crash.

From Scientific American • Aug. 8, 2011