genes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "genes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to biological sequences that control physical characteristics and behavior. For example, "The family's intelligence is believed to be the result of strong genes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I do not have the scientific knowledge to challenge or confirm this, although an early question that arises is to what extent non plant genes are being transferred into crop seeds, which does not happen with conventional hybrids.

The Guardian

For blood pressure it seems obvious that inheritance within groups is irrelevant to divergence between them; for IQ there is a curious readiness to accept that such differences are due to genes.

The Guardian

In the United States, too, genes are appealed to both in mitigation and in blame.

The Guardian

A preference for DiCaprio, though, isn't simply hormonal downtime – who you'd prefer when you're not choosing for genes – but rather an indication of preferences in the longer term.

The Guardian - Film

There's a particular family of genes called APOBEC3 which produces antiretroviral enzymes, one of the body's main defences against viral infection.

The Guardian

More dangerous, perhaps, is the complacency or fatalism that a reliance on genes can foster.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Texas, though, the law has changed to ensure that those who might pose 'an enduring threat to society' (that is, those with bad genes) are executed.

The Guardian

The Edinburgh Buffoon, Chris Brand, recently revived the ancient smear that this must be due to genes and is hence unalterable.

The Guardian

So could our genes be a subconscious influence on whether we stay monogamous or not?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His argument is that GM varieties are less risky because very few new genes are transferred and they are carefully selected: Even the possibility of "unknown unknowns" does not stand up as a legitimate concern because the unpredictability of a new GM variety is much less than in conventional breeding.

The Guardian

Because the truth about breast cancer, as with so many other diseases, is that genes are not everything.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the role of "genes", specify the particular genes or genetic variations if known, to provide more precise and informative content.

Common error

Avoid attributing complex traits or behaviors solely to "genes". Recognize that most characteristics are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Linguistic Context

The term "genes" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the fundamental units of heredity. As supported by Ludwig, "genes" are sequences that control physical characteristics and behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genes" functions as a noun referring to the fundamental units of heredity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English, highlighting its relevance in discussions about genetics, inheritance, and the interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The term is frequently used in scientific, news, and formal contexts, making it essential for clear communication in these areas. Remember to specify particular "genes" when possible, and avoid oversimplifying the complex relationship between "genes" and traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genetic makeup

Focuses on the complete set of genes, highlighting the overall genetic constitution of an organism.

genomic information

Encompasses the entire set of genetic instructions found in a cell or organism.

genetic predisposition

Focuses on the increased likelihood of developing a particular trait or disease based on genes.

hereditary traits

Emphasizes the characteristics passed down from parents to offspring through genes.

gene variants

Refers to the different forms of a gene that exist within a population.

inherited characteristics

Stresses the attributes acquired from ancestors through genetic inheritance.

genetic code

Refers to the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins.

heritable elements

Emphasizes the components of inheritance that can be transmitted from one generation to the next.

DNA sequences

Highlights the specific order of nucleotides in DNA, which determines genetic information.

chromosome composition

Highlights the structural organization of genes within chromosomes.

FAQs

How are "genes" inherited?

"Genes" are passed down from parents to offspring through the process of sexual reproduction, where each parent contributes half of their genetic material.

What is the role of "genes" in determining traits?

"Genes" contain the instructions for building and maintaining an organism, influencing a wide range of traits from physical characteristics to predispositions for certain diseases.

What can I say instead of attributing something to "genes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "heredity", "genetic factors", or "inherited traits" to describe the influence of genetics.

How do "genes" differ from the "genome"?

"Genes" are specific segments of DNA that encode for proteins or RNA molecules, while the "genome" represents the entire set of genetic instructions in an organism.