def create_gene(chromosome, start, end, strand, memory_cursor, run_info):
    """ Create a novel gene and add it to the temporary table.
    """
    run_info.genes += 1
    new_ID = run_info.genes

    new_gene = ( new_ID, chromosome, min(start, end), max(start, end), strand )
    cols = '("gene_ID", "chromosome", "start", "end", "strand")' 
    command = 'INSERT INTO temp_gene ' + cols + ' VALUES ' + '(?,?,?,?,?)'
    memory_cursor.execute(command, new_gene)
    return new_ID