B2 noun Neutre

gene

/dʒiːn/

A gene is a basic unit of heredity in a living organism that carries information from one generation to the next. It consists of a specific sequence of DNA that determines particular characteristics or traits, such as eye color or height.

Exemples

3 sur 5
1

I think I inherited the 'early riser' gene from my mother.

I believe I received the hereditary trait for waking up early from my mother.

2

The scientists have successfully mapped the specific gene associated with this rare disorder.

Researchers have identified the DNA sequence linked to this uncommon medical condition.

3

Athleticism is definitely in his genes; both his parents were Olympians.

Physical talent is a natural part of his biological makeup because his parents were elite athletes.

Famille de mots

Nom
gene
Adverbe
genetically
Adjectif
genetic
Apparenté
genetics
💡

Astuce mémo

Remember that Gene starts with G like 'Generation'—it is what you pass down to the next generation.

Quiz rapide

Scientists are trying to determine which ____ is responsible for the plant's resistance to cold weather.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : gene

Exemples

1

I think I inherited the 'early riser' gene from my mother.

everyday

I believe I received the hereditary trait for waking up early from my mother.

2

The scientists have successfully mapped the specific gene associated with this rare disorder.

formal

Researchers have identified the DNA sequence linked to this uncommon medical condition.

3

Athleticism is definitely in his genes; both his parents were Olympians.

informal

Physical talent is a natural part of his biological makeup because his parents were elite athletes.

4

Expression of this particular gene is regulated by environmental factors during early development.

academic

The way this specific hereditary unit functions is controlled by the environment during the initial stages of growth.

5

The pharmaceutical firm is patenting a new gene-editing technique to treat chronic illnesses.

business

The drug company is legally protecting a method for modifying DNA sequences to cure long-term diseases.

Famille de mots

Nom
gene
Adverbe
genetically
Adjectif
genetic
Apparenté
genetics

Collocations courantes

recessive gene a gene that is only expressed when two copies are present
dominant gene a gene that expresses its trait even if only one copy is present
gene therapy medical treatment involving the alteration of a patient's DNA
gene pool the stock of different genes in an interbreeding population
defective gene a gene that does not function correctly and may cause disease

Phrases Courantes

it's in the genes

used to say a trait or ability is natural or inherited

jump the gene pool

to deviate significantly from family traits (humorous/slang)

gene editing

the process of making precise changes to DNA

Souvent confondu avec

gene vs jeans

Jeans are denim trousers, whereas genes are units of heredity; they are homophones.

gene vs genus

A genus is a rank in biological classification above species, while a gene is a molecular unit of DNA.

📝

Notes d'usage

The word 'gene' is often used metaphorically in daily life to describe personality traits, but in scientific contexts, it refers strictly to the biological instructions for building proteins.

⚠️

Erreurs courantes

Learners often use 'genetics' (the field of study) when they actually mean 'gene' (the physical unit). For example, saying 'I have a good genetics' instead of 'I have good genes'.

💡

Astuce mémo

Remember that Gene starts with G like 'Generation'—it is what you pass down to the next generation.

📖

Origine du mot

Coined in 1909 by Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen from the Greek word 'genos' meaning 'birth' or 'origin'.

Modèles grammaticaux

countable noun plural: genes often used as a noun adjunct (e.g., gene sequencing)
🌍

Contexte culturel

The concept of 'genes' is central to the Western 'nature versus nurture' debate regarding how much of human behavior is biological.

Quiz rapide

Scientists are trying to determine which ____ is responsible for the plant's resistance to cold weather.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : gene

Mots lis

syngravent

C1

To formally reach a collective agreement or to consolidate disparate ideas into a singular, authoritative consensus through deliberation. It is typically used in academic or high-level professional contexts to describe the synthesis of various perspectives into a unified stance.

homoaltersion

C1

To systematically modify a component or individual within a group so that it aligns identically with the properties of its counterparts. It describes the act of enforcing homogeneity through specific, calculated adjustments to maintain structural consistency.

homogratacy

C1

To achieve a state of collective agreement or uniform satisfaction within a group by aligning interests or expressing mutual gratitude. It involves the process of harmonizing conflicting viewpoints into a single, mutually pleasing outcome.

multipatership

C1

Multipatership refers to the biological phenomenon where a single litter or brood of offspring is sired by more than one father. In sociology, it describes the state of a woman having children with multiple different partners, often referred to as multi-partnered fertility.

periluddom

C1

A noun referring to the state or environment of anticipation and ritualized preparation that occurs just before a competitive event, game, or performance. It encompasses the collective psychological atmosphere and physical activities shared by participants and spectators before the main action begins.

circummentcy

C1

The act or state of bypassing restrictions, rules, or obstacles through strategic maneuvering or the exploitation of loopholes. It refers specifically to the quality of being able to find indirect routes to achieve a goal while avoiding direct confrontation with a system.

adcedent

C1

Describing a person, entity, or state that is in the process of acceding to an existing agreement, treaty, or organization. It refers to the act of joining or consenting to be bound by terms previously established by others.

misvalness

C1

To incorrectly estimate or judge the intrinsic worth or significance of something, particularly by failing to recognize its true essence or state. It refers to the act of assigning a wrong value to an object or concept based on a misunderstanding of its fundamental nature.

homotactible

C1

Describing objects, surfaces, or body parts that are sensitive to touch in an identical way or occupy the same position in a tactile arrangement. It is a technical term used to compare sensory perception across different areas or specimens.

repatible

C1

To officially return a person, such as a refugee or prisoner of war, or an object like currency or cultural artifacts, to their country of origin. This verb is primarily used in legal, political, and financial contexts regarding international borders and national belonging.

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