a segment of DNA

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a segment of DNA" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific portion or piece of DNA within a larger genetic structure. Example: "Researchers identified a segment of DNA that is responsible for the hereditary trait in the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Transcript An RNA molecule copied from a segment of DNA.

The New York Times - Science

If a segment of DNA encodes some essential molecule, mutations will tend to produce catastrophic damage.

The New York Times - Science

Like bookends, the pair of corresponding SNPs defines a segment of DNA.

MIT Technology Review

If a segment of DNA does not do much, however, it can mutate without causing any harm.

The New York Times - Science

They searched in particular for cases in which a segment of DNA was accidentally duplicated or deleted.

The New York Times - Science

Once a segment of DNA has been cloned, its nucleotide sequence can be determined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The initiation site on a segment of DNA is called a promoter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This result means that you have inherited through your father a segment of DNA that was passed on consistently from father to son to you.

The Guardian

The new technique takes advantage of a biological process known as recombination, where a segment of DNA is swapped out for an almost identical piece.

The New York Times

If two distantly related organisms within the same sample shared a segment of DNA, Brito identified it as a mobile gene.

The New Yorker

By the 1960s, the gene was conceived of as a segment of DNA that carried the instructions for making a protein molecule.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing specific genes or functional elements within DNA, provide context by specifying the location of the "segment of DNA" within the genome. This helps readers understand its role and potential impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a segment of DNA" as a catch-all term. Always strive to clarify whether the segment is a gene, a regulatory region, or non-coding DNA, as each has distinct functions and implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a segment of DNA" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it refers to a specific portion or piece of DNA within a larger genetic structure. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a segment of DNA" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, particularly in scientific and technical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to a specific portion of the DNA molecule. Usage is common in science, news and media, and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, specify the functional role. Alternatives include "a DNA sequence" or "a DNA fragment". Avoid generalization and use context-specific terminology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a DNA sequence

This alternative focuses specifically on the order of nucleotides within the DNA, emphasizing the sequence rather than just a general segment.

a DNA fragment

This term highlights that the DNA portion is often a result of fragmentation or a smaller piece of a larger molecule.

a portion of DNA

A more general term that refers to a part of the DNA molecule without specifying size or function.

a region of DNA

This phrase emphasizes a specific area within the DNA, often implying a functional or structural significance.

a stretch of DNA

Suggests a continuous length of DNA, often used when discussing the physical extent of a genetic element.

a piece of genetic code

Focuses on the informational aspect of DNA, highlighting its role in encoding genetic instructions.

a genetic substring

Implies a part of a larger genetic sequence, suitable for technical or computational contexts.

a DNA locus

This term refers to a fixed position on a chromosome where a particular gene or marker is located.

a chromosomal segment

Highlights that the DNA segment is part of a larger chromosomal structure.

a gene sequence

Refers specifically to the DNA sequence that codes for a particular gene, emphasizing its functional role.

FAQs

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

You can use "a segment of DNA" to refer to a specific portion of the DNA molecule, such as in the sentence: "Researchers identified "a segment of DNA" responsible for the expression of a certain protein."

What are some alternatives to saying "a segment of DNA"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a DNA sequence", "a DNA fragment", or "a region of DNA".

Is it correct to use "a segment of DNA" when referring to a non-coding region?

Yes, ""a segment of DNA"" can refer to both coding and non-coding regions of DNA. However, it's important to specify the nature of the segment for clarity.

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

While a gene is "a segment of DNA", not all segments of DNA are genes. A gene specifically codes for a protein or RNA molecule, while other DNA segments may have regulatory or structural functions.