génique

Génique is an adjective in biology that denotes relation to genes. It refers to phenomena, traits, or processes that are generated by or determined by genetic factors. In French scientific usage, génique is commonly employed as a suffix to form compound adjectives, rather than as a freestanding noun or basic adjective.

Common uses include terms such as pathogénique (capable of causing disease), oncogénique (related to oncogenes involved in cancer), et exogénique or endogénique (originating from outside or inside, respectively). These formations express a genetic basis or organ- or system-level origin without implying a complete description of the underlying science.

Génique is distinct from génétique, which designates the science of genes, heredity, and variation. While génétique concerns the study itself, génique tends to indicate the origin, cause, or mechanism linked to genes within a specific context. The suffix -génique is often contrasted with -génomique, which relates to the genome as a whole and to genomic approaches and analyses.

Étymologie: génique derives from the noun gène (gene) plus the French suffix -ique, a productive way to form adjectives that convey a genetic origin or relation.

See also: gène, génétique, génomique, pathogénique, oncogénique.