backcross
C2Specialized/Technical
Definition
Meaning
In genetics: to cross a hybrid with one of its parents or an organism genetically similar to its parent.
The act of crossing a hybrid organism with one of its parent types or an individual genetically similar to a parent, often done to increase the genetic contribution of a desired parent in the offspring.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly used in genetics, plant/animal breeding, and molecular biology contexts. Functions primarily as a verb ('to backcross') and as a noun ('a backcross').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Both use the same term identically in scientific literature.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties, confined to scientific discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[BREEDER/RESEARCHER] backcross(ed) [HYBRID] with [PARENT/GENOTYPE][HYBRID] was backcrossed to [PARENT]to backcross [OBJECT] into [RECURRENT PARENT]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used. Irrelevant.
Academic
Used in biology, genetics, and agricultural science papers to describe breeding techniques for trait introgression.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of specialist discussions.
Technical
Core term in genetic engineering and plant/animal breeding protocols.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The researchers will backcross the new hybrid wheat line to the elite parent to stabilise the trait.
- After identifying the mutant, they backcrossed it five times to the original background.
American English
- We need to backcross this transgenic mouse with the wild-type strain for five generations.
- They backcrossed the F1 hybrid to the recurrent parent to increase the parent genome proportion.
adjective
British English
- The backcross progeny were then screened for the desired phenotype.
- A backcross population is essential for fine-mapping the gene.
American English
- The backcross seeds were planted in the greenhouse for further analysis.
- They analysed the backcross generation for genetic markers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Scientists use backcrossing to introduce a single new gene into an otherwise ideal plant variety.
- A backcross is a cross between a hybrid and one of its parents.
- To eliminate unwanted genetic material, the hybrid was repeatedly backcrossed to the recurrent parent over six generations.
- The study utilised a backcross population to map the quantitative trait loci responsible for drought tolerance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A breeder wants to bring a hybrid 'BACK' to a 'CROSS' with its original parent stock.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENETIC PURIFICATION IS A RETURN JOURNEY (back to the parent).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'обратный крест' (literal).
- Correct translation is 'бэккросс' (transliterated loanword in scientific contexts) or 'возвратное скрещивание'.
- Do not confuse with 'backcross' as a noun for a type of cross in sports; this is different.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a general term for any cross-breeding.
- Spelling as two words: 'back cross'.
- Pronouncing the 'ck' and 'cr' clusters unclearly.
Practice
Quiz
In a genetic context, what is the primary purpose of a backcross?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: 'backcross'.
No, it is a highly specialised term exclusive to genetics and breeding.
A backcross is between a hybrid and a parent, while an F2 cross is between two F1 hybrids. A backcross reduces genetic variability towards one parent.
The correct past tense and past participle is 'backcrossed' (e.g., 'They backcrossed the plants').