noun
lethal factor; lethal gene
Rare technical term in genetics; synonymous with 致死遺伝子. Used in biological contexts to refer to a gene or factor that causes death.
See also: 致死遺伝子
この実験では、致死因子を持つ個体は生存できない。
In this experiment, individuals carrying the lethal factor cannot survive.
More common synonym for 'lethal gene'; 致死因子 is rarer and may be used more broadly for any lethal factor, not strictly a gene.
Compound of 致死 (chishi, 'lethal') and 因子 (inshi, 'factor'). A straightforward technical term with no known historical peculiarities.