基因 — meaning in English: gene

jīyīn · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for gene

标准

biāozhǔn

拍摄

pāishè

基因

jīyīn

景观

jǐngguān

讲座

jiǎngzuò

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technical common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 基因 (jīyīn) in scientific discussions related to genetics, biology, and medicine, particularly when talking about hereditary traits or genetic research. For instance, in a university lecture about genetics, a professor might explain how certain diseases are linked to specific 基因.

Synonyms & nuances

While 基因 (jīyīn) specifically refers to genes as units of heredity, 遗传因子 (yíchuán yīnzǐ), meaning 'hereditary factor', encompasses a broader range of hereditary influences, including environmental factors. You would use 基因 when discussing the biological aspect of inheritance rather than its broader implications.

Culture

The term 基因 (jīyīn) was borrowed from the English word 'gene' in the early 20th century as scientific research into genetics gained traction in China. Interestingly, the character 基 (jī) means 'base' or 'foundation', while 因 (yīn) can mean 'cause' or 'reason', which together evoke the foundational elements of heredity. This reflects the importance of genes in the study of life.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 基因 in English?

The word 基因 (jīyīn) translates to 'gene' in English, referring to the basic unit of heredity in living organisms.

Q.How do you use 基因 in a sentence?

You can use 基因 in a sentence like this: '科学家研究人类的基因以了解遗传病' which means 'Scientists study human genes to understand hereditary diseases.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 基因?

A common mistake is confusing 基因 with 细胞 (xìbāo), which means 'cell'. While both are fundamental biological concepts, 基因 specifically refers to genetic material, whereas 细胞 refers to the structural unit of all living organisms.

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