a region of DNA

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a region of DNA" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing specific areas or segments within a DNA molecule, often in the context of genetics or molecular biology. Example: "Researchers identified a region of DNA that is associated with increased risk for certain diseases."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A promoter is a region of DNA that helps activate a gene.

The New York Times - Science

Instead, a mutation occurred in a region of DNA that controlled the normal gene, hobbling it.

The New York Times - Health

As the name implies, gene duplication occurs when a region of DNA is copied and then inserted elsewhere in the genome.

Columbia University

If a region of DNA has been sequenced, it can be screened for characteristic features of genes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dr. Garbelotto studied a region of DNA in the mystery species that had been studied in other Phytophthora and again found no match to anything in the scientific literature.

The New York Times - Science

Methylation-sensitive single-strand conformation analysis (MS-SSCA) is a method of screening for methylation changes at CpG sites in a region of DNA.

Methods

It not only tethers the RAG enzyme complex to a region of DNA, but it also induces a substantial increase in the catalytic turnover number (k(cat)) of the RAG complex.

Stanford University

While there may be hundreds of SNPs within a region of DNA, all of them are linked, so that everyone who has an "A" nucleotide rather than a "G" at a particular location in a chromosome will have the same genetic variants at other SNPs in that region.

MIT Technology Review

Princeton biologist Bridgett vonHoldt has spent her career searching for a genetic explanation for this social difference — what she calls "the genes that make a dog a dog". During her Ph.D. studies, she found that dogs and wolves diverged in a region of DNA responsible for Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) in humans.

Princeton University

The other study, published online Oct. 28 in Nature, showed that once Cas9 binds to a region of DNA, it performs another check before two distant sections of the Cas9 protein complex come together, like the blades of a scissors, to precisely align the active sites that cut double-stranded DNA.

University of California, Berkeley

TFIID is an agglomeration of more than a dozen distinct proteins that homes in on a promoter – a region of DNA that controls the transcription of a nearby gene – and tests the sequence to make sure it has landed at the right spot.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing gene function, specify the "a region of DNA" involved, such as a promoter or enhancer, to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a region of DNA" as a vague placeholder; instead, strive to identify its specific function (e.g., coding, regulatory) or structure (e.g., exon, intron) whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a region of DNA" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show it used to identify specific areas studied in genetic research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

Academia

20%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a region of DNA" serves as a fundamental term in genetics and molecular biology, referring to a specific segment within the DNA molecule. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to identify particular areas of interest in scientific research and explanations. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific and academic contexts, reflecting its formal and technical nature. Related phrases include "a DNA segment" and "a DNA sequence", each with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, remember to specify the region's function or structure to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a DNA segment

Refers to a distinct portion of the DNA sequence; slightly more specific than "a region".

a DNA sequence

Highlights the order of nucleotides within the DNA; focuses on the sequence itself rather than the area.

a locus of DNA

Emphasizes a specific location or site on the DNA molecule.

a portion of the DNA

Indicates a fraction or part of the total DNA material.

a segment of the genome

Broadens the scope to the entire genetic material of an organism.

a DNA fragment

Implies a smaller, often isolated, piece of DNA.

a specific DNA site

Highlights a pinpointed location with particular characteristics or function.

a chromosomal region

Specifies the location on a chromosome, a more defined structure.

a gene locus

Refers to the specific location of a gene within the DNA.

a part of the genetic code

Focuses on the informational aspect of the DNA segment.

FAQs

How can I use "a region of DNA" in a sentence?

Use "a region of DNA" to refer to a specific segment or location within a DNA molecule, often in the context of genetic studies or molecular biology. Example: "Researchers identified "a region of DNA" associated with increased disease risk."

What can I say instead of "a region of DNA"?

You can use alternatives like "a DNA segment", "a DNA sequence", or "a DNA locus" depending on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Which is correct, "a region of DNA" or "a segment of DNA"?

Both ""a region of DNA"" and "a segment of DNA" are correct and often interchangeable. "Region" is slightly more general, while "segment" implies a more distinct or defined portion.

What's the difference between "a region of DNA" and "a gene locus"?

"A region of DNA" refers to any part of the DNA molecule, while "a gene locus" specifically indicates the location of a gene on a chromosome.