Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gene'

English Word: gene

Key Russian Translations:

• ген /ɡen/ - [Formal, Scientific context; Used in technical and biological discussions]

Frequency: High (Common in scientific, medical, and educational contexts, especially in modern Russian due to international influence)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level; As a borrowed word from English, it's straightforward for learners with basic vocabulary, but understanding its scientific applications requires context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ген: /ɡen/ (The 'г' is pronounced as a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in 'go' in English)

Note on ген: Pronunciation is relatively simple for English speakers, but ensure the stress is on the first syllable. In rapid speech, it may soften to /ɡʲen/ in some dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Basic meaning: A unit of heredity that carries information for specific traits in living organisms.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ген - Used in formal scientific, educational, or medical contexts to refer to genetic material; Common in biology and genetics discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Ген отвечает за передачу наследственных признаков от родителей к потомкам.

  The gene is responsible for passing hereditary traits from parents to offspring.

• Учёные изучили ген, который влияет на цвет глаз.

  Scientists studied the gene that influences eye color.

• Мутация гена может привести к генетическим заболеваниям.

  A mutation in the gene can lead to genetic diseases.

• В ДНК человека содержится множество генов, определяющих физические характеристики.

  A human's DNA contains many genes that determine physical characteristics.

• Генетическая инженерия позволяет редактировать ген для улучшения сельскохозяйственных культур.

  Genetic engineering allows editing the gene to improve agricultural crops.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ген" is a masculine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariable in terms of gender and follows regular patterns, making it easier for learners compared to irregular nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: генетический элемент (genetic element; more descriptive in broader contexts), аллель (allele; a specific type of gene variant)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "ген" is a specific scientific term without a clear opposite; however, in contexts of mutation, it might contrast with "нормальный ген" (normal gene).

Related Phrases:

• Генетический код - Genetic code; Refers to the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins.
• Мутация гена - Gene mutation; Describes changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations or diseases.
• Генетическая инженерия - Genetic engineering; Involves manipulating genes for practical purposes, such as in medicine or agriculture.

Usage Notes:

This translation directly corresponds to the English "gene" as a borrowed term, primarily used in formal and scientific settings. It is not common in everyday casual conversation but is essential in fields like biology and medicine. When choosing "ген," ensure the context is technical; for more general discussions, phrases like "генетический элемент" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, it behaves as a standard masculine noun, so pay attention to case agreements in sentences, e.g., "в гене" (in the gene) for prepositional case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /dʒen/ (like the English "jeen"). Correct: /ɡen/ with a hard 'g'. Explanation: English speakers often apply their native pronunciation; practice with native audio to avoid this.

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я изучаю ген" instead of "Я изучаю гену" in contexts requiring dative. Correct: "Я отдаю гену" (I give to the gene, metaphorically). Explanation: Russian cases are crucial; always check the sentence structure.

• Error: Confusing with "джин" (jeans, as in clothing). Correct: Use "ген" only for biological contexts. Explanation: These are homophones in some accents, so context clarifies meaning.

Cultural Notes:

"Ген" is a modern term borrowed from English and German in the 20th century, reflecting Russia's integration into global science. It doesn't carry strong cultural connotations but is prominent in discussions of genetics in Russian media, especially post-Soviet advancements in biotechnology, symbolizing scientific progress.

Related Concepts:

• ДНК (DNA)
• Хромосома (Chromosome)
• Генетика (Genetics)
• Мутация (Mutation)