primordial function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primordial function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing fundamental or original roles or purposes, often in scientific or philosophical discussions. Example: "In evolutionary biology, the primordial function of certain traits can provide insight into the survival strategies of early species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Particularly, the cell biology and pathobiochemistry of intestinal disaccharidases has occupied a major part of this workshop by virtue of the primordial function of the sucrase-isomaltase enzyme complex in carbohydrate and human starch digestion to glucose (α-glucogenesis) [1].

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

In this regard, it is notable that ribosomal biogenesis has been proposed to be a primordial function of Myc during evolution [5].

Plosone

Nvp63's protein structure, its localization in early gametes, and function suggest that the induction of apoptosis in the germ line upon genotoxic stress is a primordial function of the p53 family that existed already before bilaterians evolved.

Plosone

Evolutionary conservation analysis of these binding sites is greater when adjacent to up-regulated genes than down-regulated genes, suggesting the primordial function of PPARγ/RXR is in the induction of genes.

Plosone

When coupled with the observation that the evolutionary conservation of PPARγ/RXR binding sites is greater when adjacent to upregulated genes than downregulated genes suggest that the primordial function of PPARγ/RXR is the induction of genes involved in lipid and fatty acid metabolism.

Plosone

For example, there are several lines of evidence to suggest that the RAG1 and RAG2 genes involved in V(D J recombination originated from a hAT DNA transposon that was domesticated to fulfill this primordial function of the adaptive immune system [19], [20].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The observation that the majority of Myc-activated genes controls ribosome biogenesis and translation indicates that these are the main and presumably primordial functions of Myc proteins.

BMC Biology

In summary, we define ferlins as an ancient family of C2 domain-containing proteins that are likely to possess primordial functions in eukaryotic biology.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Such findings suggest that muscle miRNAs examined have been under strong selective constraint throughout the evolution of vertebrates, thereby reflecting an acquirement of primordial functions on muscle biology.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

With only one p53 family member expressed as two detectable isoforms, Drosophila is a genetically tractable model to explore the "primordial" functions of p53 in addition to its well-known functions in mediating apoptosis in the presence of genotoxic stress.

Apoptosis : an international journal on programmed cell death

These and other observations suggest that tumor suppressive roles for the p53 family were co-opted from primordial functions, some of which may have been linked to meiotic recombination (Lu et al., 2010).

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing evolutionary biology or the origins of biological processes, "primordial function" effectively conveys the idea of the earliest or most fundamental role of a gene, protein, or system. Use it to emphasize the evolutionary context.

Common error

Avoid using "primordial function" when you simply mean the most important or main function. "Primordial" specifically refers to the earliest, evolutionary origin of a function, not just its current importance. For the main function use "primary function" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primordial function" acts as a noun phrase modifier, where "primordial" (adjective) describes the kind of function. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be found frequently in scientific contexts to describe fundamental or original roles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primordial function" is a grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys the concept of an original or fundamental role, particularly in scientific and evolutionary contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in scientific literature, denoting the earliest functions of biological entities. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the evolutionary context, differentiating it from simply a "primary" or main function. For alternatives, consider "original function" or "ancestral role" to maintain a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

original function

Directly replaces "primordial" with "original", keeping the meaning almost identical.

ancestral role

Highlights the role in ancestral organisms or systems.

primitive function

Emphasizes the simplicity and early stage of the function.

original purpose

This refers to the initial intention or design, shifting the focus from evolution to intent.

initial role

Focuses on the first responsibility or part played, rather than its evolutionary origin.

fundamental role

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the function.

early purpose

Highlights the temporal aspect of the function's existence.

primary function

Indicates the main or most important function, not necessarily the earliest.

evolutionary origin

Focuses on the start of a trait or characteristic.

basic role

Indicates the essential and underlying role, potentially missing the evolutionary aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "primordial function" in a sentence?

You can use "primordial function" when discussing the earliest or most fundamental role of something in an evolutionary context. For example: "The "primordial function" of this gene was likely related to DNA repair".

What's the difference between "primordial function" and "primary function"?

"Primordial function" refers to the original, evolutionary role of something, while "primary function" refers to its main or most important role now. They are not interchangeable.

What is an alternative to "primordial function"?

Alternatives include "original function", "ancestral role" or "primitive function", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "primordial function" formal or informal?

"Primordial function" is generally considered a formal term, most often used in scientific or academic writing. In more casual contexts, simpler terms like "original purpose" may be more appropriate.