a single gene

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single gene" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one specific gene in the context of genetics or biology. Example: "The study focused on a single gene responsible for the development of the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Transcribed as a single gene.

Nature

The difference is a single gene.

The New York Times - Books

"We haven't changed a single gene.

The Guardian

A single gene defect causes both conditions.

University of California, Berkeley

One is to create numerous mutations in a single gene.

The New York Times

"It's not a single gene that leads to it.

The New York Times - Health

Achange in a single gene would have been enough.

The Guardian - Tech

Surprisingly, Hoekstra said, that honing occurred in a single gene.

Harvard University

Each such DNA molecule typically encodes a single gene product.

Nature

These are strains of mice in which a single gene has been deleted.

The New York Times - Science

Diversa and Applied Molecular Evolution tend to use mutations in a single gene.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing genetic traits or diseases, clarify if they are caused by "a single gene" or multiple genes to provide accurate information.

Common error

Avoid attributing complex traits or conditions solely to "a single gene". Many characteristics are influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single gene" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes the role of one specific gene, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single gene" is a common and grammatically correct term, predominantly used in scientific, academic, and news contexts to denote the influence of one specific gene on a particular trait or condition. As shown by Ludwig, this term is vital in explaining genetic mechanisms, particularly when distinguishing between single-gene effects and more complex multigenic interactions. While "a single gene" is widely used, it's essential to avoid overgeneralizing its role, as many traits are influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is primarily formal and scientific, emphasizing the need for accurate and precise language in genetics and related fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one gene

Simply uses 'one' instead of 'a single', maintaining the same meaning and grammatical structure.

a solitary gene

Replaces 'single' with 'solitary', emphasizing the isolated nature of the gene.

an individual gene

Substitutes 'single' with 'individual', highlighting the uniqueness of the gene.

a unique gene

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the gene, suggesting it has specific characteristics.

a specific gene

Focuses on the particularity of the gene, indicating it has been identified or is of interest.

a lone gene

Implies the gene is acting alone or is the only gene involved in a process.

a distinct gene

Highlights the separateness and clear identification of the gene.

a particular gene

Similar to 'specific gene', but with a slightly broader sense of focus.

a dedicated gene

Suggests the gene has a specialized function or role.

an isolated gene

Similar to "a solitary gene", emphasizing the separated or extracted nature of the gene.

FAQs

How can I use "a single gene" in a sentence?

You can use "a single gene" to describe a characteristic, disease, or function primarily controlled by one specific gene. For example, "Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in "a single gene"".

What are some alternatives to "a single gene"?

Alternatives include "one gene", "a solitary gene", or "an individual gene", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to say all genetic conditions are caused by "a single gene"?

No, many genetic conditions are complex and result from the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. Only some conditions are caused by defects in "a single gene".

What's the difference between "a single gene" and "multiple genes"?

"A single gene" refers to one specific gene responsible for a trait or condition, while "multiple genes" indicates that several genes contribute to the outcome. Complex traits like height are influenced by "multiple genes", whereas some diseases are caused by "a single gene" mutation.