Abstract
The idea that genes control development is widespread in biology and philosophy. But the notorious ambiguity of the term “gene” makes assessment of this claim difficult.111 In classical genetics, “the gene” is a theoretical entity that predicts patterns of traits across generations. Localization of this hereditary material to chromosomal DNA and elucidation of its structure in the 1950s cemented the more realistic molecular gene concept. The Central Dogma (symbolized as DNA→ RNA→protein) and genetic code then established molecular genes as the primary causes of phenotypes. Today, a common understanding of the term is:
(G) A gene is a causally active DNA sequence associated with a particular phenotypic trait.
Chapter PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Keywords
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2013 Melinda Bonnie Fagan
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Fagan, M.B. (2013). Genes and Development: The Stem Cell Perspective. In: Philosophy of Stem Cell Biology. New Directions in the Philosophy of Science. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137296023_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137296023_6
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-34985-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-29602-3
eBook Packages: Palgrave Religion & Philosophy CollectionPhilosophy and Religion (R0)