Somewhat degenerate element of heredity (4)

I believe the answer is:

gene

'element of heredity' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'somewhat degenerate' is the wordplay.
'somewhat' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'GENE' is hidden in the letters of 'degenerate'.

(Other definitions for gene that I've seen before include "Basic unit of heredity" , "Factor controlling heredity carried by chromosome" , "The Selfish -- (Dawkins)" , "and 16 Down: Rockabilly singer" , "Hereditary molecule" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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