agrobacteria: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “agrobacteria” mean?
Gram-negative soil bacteria used in genetic engineering to transfer DNA into plants.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Gram-negative soil bacteria used in genetic engineering to transfer DNA into plants.
Specifically, bacteria of the genus Agrobacterium, known for causing plant diseases like crown gall by transferring part of their DNA into the host plant's genome. This natural mechanism is exploited in biotechnology to create genetically modified plants.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The term is equally technical in both dialects.
Connotations
Scientifically neutral; no cultural connotations.
Frequency
Used exclusively in scientific, agricultural, and biotechnological contexts with equal rarity in general discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “agrobacteria” in a Sentence
Agrobacteria are used to [VERB] plants.The [NOUN] is transferred by agrobacteria.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “agrobacteria” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The agrobacterial plasmid was isolated.
- They studied the agrobacterial transformation mechanism.
American English
- The agrobacterial Ti plasmid is a key tool.
- An agrobacterial delivery system was developed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, used in agribusiness or biotech patent discussions.
Academic
Standard in plant biology, genetics, and biotechnology research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in plant genetic engineering protocols and phytopathology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “agrobacteria”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “agrobacteria”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “agrobacteria”
- Using as a singular noun (incorrect: 'an agrobacteria'; correct: 'an agrobacterium' or 'agrobacteria').
- Mispronouncing with a hard 'g' as in 'agriculture'; the 'g' is soft /dʒ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is plural. The singular form is 'agrobacterium'.
Wild-type agrobacteria cause crown gall disease, but scientists have disabled the disease-causing genes to create safe, engineered versions used as tools in genetic modification.
It is a core term in plant molecular biology, genetic engineering, and phytopathology.
No, the standard pronunciation uses a soft 'g' sound (/dʒ/), as in 'age'. The first syllable rhymes with 'agro-' in 'agriculture'.
Gram-negative soil bacteria used in genetic engineering to transfer DNA into plants.
Agrobacteria is usually technical / scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'AGRO' (relating to fields/agriculture) + 'BACTERIA' = bacteria found in soil that interact with crops.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURAL GENETIC ENGINEERS: Agrobacteria are often described as nature's own genetic engineers due to their DNA-transfer ability.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary scientific importance of agrobacteria?