Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'DNA'

English Word: DNA

Key Russian Translations:

• ДНК [dʲiˈɛnˈka] - [Formal, Scientific; Used in academic, medical, and biological contexts]

Frequency: High (Commonly used in scientific literature, education, and everyday discussions about genetics)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Learners need familiarity with Russian alphabet and scientific terminology, but it's a straightforward borrowing from English)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ДНК: [dʲiˈɛnˈka]

Note on ДНК: The pronunciation emphasizes the soft 'д' sound (palatalized 'd'), which can be challenging for beginners. It's pronounced as two syllables, with stress on the second.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The molecule that carries genetic information and instructions for development and functioning of living organisms

Translation(s) & Context:

• ДНК - Used in formal scientific, educational, or medical contexts to refer to deoxyribonucleic acid as a biological concept.

Usage Examples:

• Учёные изучают ДНК для понимания эволюции видов.

  Scientists study DNA to understand the evolution of species.

• В современной медицине анализ ДНК помогает диагностировать генетические заболевания.

  In modern medicine, DNA analysis helps diagnose genetic diseases.

• ДНК человека содержит миллиарды нуклеотидов, которые определяют его уникальные черты.

  Human DNA contains billions of nucleotides that determine unique traits.

• Школьники на уроке биологии узнали, как ДНК реплицируется во время клеточного деления.

  Schoolchildren learned in biology class how DNA replicates during cell division.

• Криминалисты используют ДНК для идентификации подозреваемых в преступлениях.

  Forensics experts use DNA to identify suspects in crimes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ДНК is an acronym borrowed from English and treated as an indeclinable noun in Russian. It does not change form based on case, number, or gender, which is common for foreign scientific terms. For example:

This invariability simplifies its use, but always treat it as a singular neuter noun in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Дезоксирибонуклеиновая кислота (More formal, full form; Used in precise scientific writing for emphasis on the chemical structure)
  • Генетический материал (Broader term; Implies genetic substance without specifying DNA)
• Antonyms:
  • РНК (Ribonucleic acid; Contrasts as the counterpart in genetic processes)

Related Phrases:

• ДНК-тест - A test analyzing DNA for genetic or forensic purposes (e.g., Used in paternity tests or crime investigations).
• Секвенирование ДНК - DNA sequencing; The process of determining the precise order of nucleotides (Common in genomics research).
• Генетический отпечаток ДНК - Genetic fingerprint of DNA; Refers to unique patterns used in identification (e.g., In legal contexts).

Usage Notes:

ДНК directly corresponds to the English term "DNA" as a scientific abbreviation, making it easy for English speakers to recognize. It is primarily used in formal contexts like biology, medicine, and education, and rarely in casual conversation. When choosing between ДНК and its full form "дезоксирибонуклеиновая кислота," opt for ДНК in most cases for brevity. Grammatically, it remains invariable, so no adjustments are needed for case or number. Be mindful of its scientific connotation; in Russian, it often appears in compound phrases like "анализ ДНК" to specify applications.

Common Errors:

• Mispronouncing the word: Learners might say [ˈdɛn.kə] instead of the correct [dʲiˈɛnˈka], softening the initial 'д'. Correct usage: Practice the palatalized 'd' sound. Error example: Saying "денка" (wrong emphasis); Correct: "ДНК" with proper stress.

• Confusing it with similar terms: English speakers might mix it up with "РНК" (RNA). Error example: Using "ДНК" when meaning RNA; Correct: Use "РНК" for ribonucleic acid and explain the difference in context.

• Attempting to inflect it: Treating it as a regular noun and changing forms, e.g., saying "ДНКов" (incorrect plural). Error: This doesn't exist; Correct: Always use "ДНК" in its base form, as it's indeclinable.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and education, ДНК is a fundamental concept in biology, often introduced early in school curricula due to Russia's strong emphasis on STEM fields. It symbolizes scientific advancement and is frequently referenced in popular media, such as crime dramas or health discussions, reflecting the influence of global genetics research. However, it carries no unique cultural idioms, as it's a universal scientific term.

Related Concepts:

• РНК
• Ген
• Хромосома
• Мутация