basic units of heredity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic units of heredity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions related to genetics, biology, or the study of inheritance. Example: "Genes are considered the basic units of heredity that determine the traits of an organism."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The basic units of heredity are now known as genes, and the variant forms of a given gene are termed alleles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Such organisms need not maintain a full complement of genes," Dr. Lawrence wrote, referring to the basic unit of heredity.

The New York Times - Science

The notion that there is an entity to be discovered that is the "basic unit of culture" as the gene is the basic unit of heredity will strike many as ludicrous.All the same, as the possibility of genetically engineering people gets nearer, natural selection may be, in his pithy phrase, "decommissioned".

The Economist

In general, biology recognizes the cell as the basic unit of life, genes as the basic unit of heredity, and evolution as the engine that propels the synthesis and creation of new species.

Wikipedia

The basic units of language are phonemes, morphemes, and words.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Municipalities are the basic units of local government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their brand of realpolitik assumes nation-states are the basic units of power.

The New York Times

Web services are basic units of SOA.

Journal of Systems and Software

Emergency departments (EDs) are the basic units of emergency care.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Linguists have long analyzed what are called "speech acts," the basic units of interaction.

Huffington Post

The basic unit of Kyrgyz currency is a sheep.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing genetics, clarify which "basic units of heredity" you're referring to (genes, alleles, etc.) for clarity.

Common error

Don't assume everyone understands the specific "basic units of heredity" you're referencing; always provide context or further explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic units of heredity" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the fundamental components responsible for transmitting traits from parents to offspring. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basic units of heredity" refers to the fundamental components responsible for inheritance. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare. It is most commonly encountered in scientific and encyclopedic contexts, signifying its formal and technical nature. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the exact units you are referring to for clarity. Ludwig's analysis and the provided examples highlight the phrase's precise function in discussions related to genetics and inheritance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental units of heredity

Replaces "basic" with "fundamental", emphasizing the essential nature of the units.

elementary units of heredity

Substitutes "basic" with "elementary", highlighting the foundational aspect.

primary units of inheritance

Replaces "heredity" with "inheritance", focusing on the process of transmission.

building blocks of heredity

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe the essential components.

genetic building blocks

Uses a more simplified wording.

hereditary components

Focuses on the components involved in heredity.

inheritance factors

Emphasizes the role of these units as factors in inheritance.

genetic determinants

Highlights the determining role of these units in genetic traits.

core elements of heredity

Emphasizes the central and essential nature of these elements.

genetic information carriers

Highlights the role of carrying genetic information.

FAQs

What are examples of basic units of heredity?

Examples of basic units of heredity include genes and alleles. Genes are the fundamental units, while alleles are the variant forms of a gene.

What is another term for "basic units of heredity"?

Another term for "basic units of heredity" is "fundamental units of heredity", which also refers to the essential components of inheritance.

How do genes relate to "basic units of heredity"?

Genes are the "elementary units of heredity". They carry the information that determines traits and characteristics passed from parents to offspring.

What is the significance of understanding "basic units of heredity"?

Understanding the "basic units of heredity" is crucial for comprehending how traits are inherited and how genetic variations occur within populations.