protogene
noun
pro·to·gene
ˈprōtə+ˌ-
1
: a dominant gene or factor
2
[International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin protogenes primeval, firstborn, from Greek prōtogenēs, from prōt- prot- + -genēs born]
: a hypothetical mutable primary unit that is capable of reduplication, is held to have differentiated from nonliving matter, and is regarded as a precursor of living beings
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“Protogene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protogene. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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