supergene

¹

[soo-per-jeen]

adjective

Geology.

1. formed by descending waters, as mineral or ore deposits (hypogene ).

supergene

²

[soo-per-jeen]

noun

Genetics.

1. a portion of a chromosome consisting of linked genes that act as a single unit of inheritance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of supergene¹

1945–50; super- + -gene, as in hypogene

Origin of supergene²

First recorded in 1945–50; super- + gene

Example Sentences

Trible attributes this rapid transformation to mutations in a supergene that contains genes coding for several traits that determine what the workers look like and how they act.

From Science Magazine

However, Trible’s team found that most of the genetic differences between the ant parasites and its host relatives are in that supergene.

From Science Magazine

It is “overwhelmingly likely” that the supergene controls the growth of impostor queens, but more targeted research is needed to confirm the finding, Dr. Trible said.

From New York Times

For decades, the common thinking was that complex traits or behaviors, such as parasitism or the number of queens in a colony has, would be determined by the combined influence of many genes, said Dr. Ross, who discovered the first supergene in ants and wasn’t involved in the new study.

From New York Times

A “supergene” that mutates rapidly, between a single generation of raider ants, is likely responsible for the royal impostors.

From New York Times