genic

Genic is an adjective used primarily in genetics and genomics to denote a relationship to genes or gene-derived features. It is used to distinguish gene-related elements or processes from non-genic aspects of the genome. In practice, genic is often applied to describe regions, mutations, or expression that are within or closely associated with genes, as opposed to intergenic regions that lie between genes.

In genomic context, genic regions are parts of the genome that are transcribed or otherwise linked to gene structure, including coding sequences (exons) and nearby regulatory elements. Intergenic regions, by contrast, lie between genes and may contain regulatory motifs or noncoding DNA not directly part of a gene's transcription unit. The distinction between genic and intergenic supports analyses that seek to separate gene-centered signals from broader genome-wide patterns.

Genic variation refers to differences within gene sequences or in regulatory elements directly connected to genes, which can influence gene function or expression. Researchers use the genic–intergenic framework to annotate genomes, interpret evolutionary forces, and assess functional impact in studies of heredity and disease.

Etymology: genic is formed from gene plus the suffix -ic, indicating a characteristic related to genes. It appears most often in scientific writing and specialized discussions, rather than in everyday language. See also: genetic, genomics, intergenic, gene expression.