supergene
noun
su·per·gene
ˈsü-pər-ˌjēn 
: a group of linked genes acting as an allelic unit especially when due to the suppression of crossing-over
Examples of supergene in a Sentence
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Our analysis of all the genes inside the supergene, spearheaded by Emory researcher Wendy M. Zinzow-Kramer, showed that ESR1 is part of a large network of genes inside the supergene that predict territorial aggression.
—
Donna L. Maney, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2025
Sometime in history, one of those ants had experienced a mutation that replaced the supergene on one chromosome with a copy of the supergene from the other chromosome.
—Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2023
However, Trible’s team found that most of the genetic differences between the ant parasites and its host relatives are in that supergene.
—Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 6 Mar. 2023
Keough's pop supergenes add another layer.
—Darren Franich, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2023
Researchers still have much to learn about how that supergene controls so many features — not just color, but also wing shape, and even behaviors like flight speed.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 1 Feb. 2022
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Donna L. Maney, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2025
Sometime in history, one of those ants had experienced a mutation that replaced the supergene on one chromosome with a copy of the supergene from the other chromosome.
—Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2023
However, Trible’s team found that most of the genetic differences between the ant parasites and its host relatives are in that supergene.
—Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 6 Mar. 2023
Keough's pop supergenes add another layer.
—Darren Franich, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2023
Researchers still have much to learn about how that supergene controls so many features — not just color, but also wing shape, and even behaviors like flight speed.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 1 Feb. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Supergene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supergene. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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supergene
noun
su·per·gene
ˈsü-pər-ˌjēn
: a group of linked genes acting as an allelic unit especially when due to the suppression of crossing-over
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