cis-trans test: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowAcademic / Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cis-trans test” mean?
A genetic test, particularly in bacteria, to determine whether two mutations affecting the same trait are on the same DNA molecule (cis configuration) or on different molecules (trans configuration).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genetic test, particularly in bacteria, to determine whether two mutations affecting the same trait are on the same DNA molecule (cis configuration) or on different molecules (trans configuration).
In molecular genetics, a classic experimental procedure used to determine if two mutations that produce the same phenotypic defect are alleles of the same gene (complementation test). The outcome indicates whether the mutations are in the same functional unit (gene) or in different genes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms follows regional conventions (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior').
Connotations
Identical highly technical, scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside specialised genetics literature and advanced university courses in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “cis-trans test” in a Sentence
The researcher performed a cis-trans test [on the bacterial strains].The cis-trans test revealed [that the mutations were allelic].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cis-trans test” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will cis-trans test the new mutants to establish allelism.
- We need to cis-trans test these phenotypes.
American English
- The lab will cis-trans test the mutant strains to determine complementation.
- They decided to cis-trans test the alleles.
adjective
British English
- The cis-trans test data was conclusive.
- A cis-trans test analysis was performed.
American English
- The cis-trans test results were clear.
- She explained the cis-trans test principle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core concept in advanced genetics and molecular biology courses and research papers.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Precise term in genetic research, particularly microbial genetics, to define functional genetic units.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cis-trans test”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cis-trans test”
- Pronouncing 'cis' as /kɪs/ or /sɪz/. Correct is /sɪs/.
- Using the term to refer to general genetic testing rather than the specific complementation analysis.
- Incorrectly hyphenating as 'cistrans' or writing as 'cis trans test' without the second hyphen.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the classical form of a complementation test, specifically named to highlight the importance of whether mutations are in the 'cis' or 'trans' configuration on the DNA.
It was pioneered and is most straightforwardly applied in haploid organisms like bacteria and bacteriophages, where the 'cis' and 'trans' arrangements can be experimentally constructed and tested.
It indicates that the two mutations are in different genes. Each mutant chromosome supplies a functional copy of the gene that the other lacks, allowing normal function.
No, the standard cis-trans test is designed for recessive mutations. The logic relies on the ability of a wild-type allele to compensate for a defective one in the trans configuration.
A genetic test, particularly in bacteria, to determine whether two mutations affecting the same trait are on the same DNA molecule (cis configuration) or on different molecules (trans configuration).
Cis-trans test is usually academic / technical / scientific in register.
Cis-trans test: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪs ˌtrænz ˈtest/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪs ˌtrænz ˈtest/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'cis' as 'siblings' (on the same chromosome) and 'trans' as 'twins separated at birth' (on homologous chromosomes). The test checks if they can work together when separated.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FUNCTIONALITY TEST FOR GENETIC TEAMMATES: Testing if two faulty components are in the same working group (gene) or in different groups.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a cis-trans test?