genetic alteration

USAGE SUMMARY

'genetic alteration' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a change in a person's or organism's genetic makeup. For example, "Recent advances in science have allowed us to make significant genetic alterations to the human genome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In short order, Rapture's scientists achieved breakthroughs in genetic alteration.

The New York Times - Arts

In place of shoes, people — who now have four toes due to a genetic alteration that also cures all cancer — are wearing crocs.

The New Yorker

The genetic alteration the drug targets has tantalized researchers for decades.

The New York Times - Health

Hasn't science either failed us - what, no cure for Aids? - or frightened us with implanted embryos, genetic alteration, cryogenics?

Independent

Then Sanofi would test the drug on a broad range of cancers with a similar genetic alteration.

The New York Times - Health

Dr. Judith Campisi, a researcher who studies aging at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, cautioned that the investigators have not yet proved that their genetic alteration mimics the mechanism that enables caloric restriction to extend life.

The New York Times

Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately kills fast-multiplying cells -- healthy ones as well as cancerous cells -- Herceptin focuses on a specific genetic alteration implicated in the cancer, and thus has relatively few side effects.

The New York Times

In the experimental field of gene therapy, scientists have worked carefully to avoid the momentous step of making a genetic alteration that could be passed along to future generations.

The New York Times - Science

In the comics he emerges as an indestructible but mentally unstable anti-hero after submitting himself to the Weapon X genetic alteration experiment in the hope of finding a cure for cancer.

The Guardian - Film

On a "fat-acceptance" e-mail list, several members suggested recent research will lead only to new ways for them to lose weight through genetic alteration, rather than be accepted as they are.

The New York Times - Health

A similar genetic alteration could be present in migraine patients?

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the implications of "genetic alteration", clearly specify the context. For example, is it related to disease, treatment, or evolutionary adaptation?

Common error

Avoid using "genetic alteration" when you mean "genetic predisposition". A "genetic alteration" is a change to the genetic code itself, whereas a "genetic predisposition" means an increased likelihood of developing a trait or disease due to inherited genes, without any actual change to the genetic code.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genetic alteration" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a change or modification to the genetic material of an organism. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genetic alteration" is a noun phrase used to denote a change in the genetic material of an organism. Ludwig shows it's widely accepted and commonly used in scientific and general contexts, especially in Science and News & Media. It is grammatically correct and functions to describe specific changes in an organism's genetic composition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. When using this phrase, be sure to specify the context (disease, treatment, adaptation) and avoid confusing it with similar terms like "genetic predisposition". There are many alternative terms and they have to be chosen accordingly to the specific context. The phrase maintains a formal and scientific register, reflecting its prevalence in academic and research settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genomic alteration

Focuses specifically on alterations within the entire genome.

genetic modification

A broader term that encompasses any change to the genetic material.

genetic change

A simpler and more general way to refer to genetic alterations.

heritable alteration

Emphasizes that the alteration can be passed down to future generations.

dna alteration

Specifically refers to changes in the DNA sequence.

genomic mutation

Highlights that the alteration is a mutation within the genome.

chromosome instability

Focuses on alterations related to chromosome structure or number.

gene mutation

Refers specifically to alterations within a single gene.

hereditary alteration

Another way to emphasize the inherited nature of the alteration.

genome editing

Highlights the process of making changes in the genome.

FAQs

How is "genetic alteration" different from "genetic mutation"?

While related, "genetic alteration" is broader. "Genetic mutation" typically refers to a spontaneous change in DNA sequence. "Genetic alteration" can include both mutations and intentional modifications, such as through gene editing.

In what contexts is the term "genetic alteration" commonly used?

The term "genetic alteration" is commonly used in scientific research, particularly in fields like cancer research, genetics, and biotechnology. It is also increasingly used in discussions about gene therapy and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

What are some potential ethical concerns related to "genetic alteration"?

Ethical concerns surrounding "genetic alteration" include the potential for unintended consequences, the fairness of access to gene therapies, and the possibility of using genetic technologies for non-medical enhancements. These are important considerations in the ongoing discussion about the responsible use of genetic technologies.

What are some alternative terms for "genetic alteration"?

You can use alternatives like "genetic modification", "genomic alteration", or "genetic change" depending on the context.