gene clone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “gene clone” mean?
A genetically identical copy of a particular gene or DNA sequence, produced through laboratory techniques.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genetically identical copy of a particular gene or DNA sequence, produced through laboratory techniques.
The process of creating such a copy, or the collective copies (a gene library) containing the target sequence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation of 'gene' may vary slightly.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in relevant scientific fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “gene clone” in a Sentence
The [scientist] [created] a gene clone of [the insulin gene].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gene clone” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team aimed to clone the gene responsible for the trait.
- We need to clone this fragment before sequencing.
American English
- The lab successfully cloned the drought-resistance gene.
- The first step is to clone the DNA segment into a plasmid.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The gene clone library was screened for positives.
- Clone DNA was purified for further analysis.
American English
- The gene clone sequence was verified.
- Clone purification is a standard step.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech/pharma contexts discussing product development.
Academic
Core term in genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in general conversation.
Technical
Fundamental and frequent term describing a key laboratory product and process.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gene clone”
- Using 'clone' alone to refer to the gene copy without specifying 'gene' in introductory contexts.
- Using as a verb in the phrase ('They gene cloned the sequence' is less standard than 'They cloned the gene').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'gene clone' refers to a copy of a specific DNA sequence (e.g., in a test tube or bacterial cell). A 'cloned organism' (like Dolly the sheep) is a whole organism that is genetically identical to another.
The primary tool is molecular cloning, which often involves inserting the target DNA into a bacterial plasmid (a circular DNA vector), which is then used to transform bacteria. The bacteria then replicate the plasmid, producing many identical copies—the gene clone.
While 'clone' is the verb ('to clone a gene'), the full phrase 'gene clone' is almost exclusively a noun. You would say 'They cloned the gene', not 'They gene cloned it'.
It is a foundational term in molecular biology, genetics, genetic engineering, biotechnology, and related biomedical research fields.
A genetically identical copy of a particular gene or DNA sequence, produced through laboratory techniques.
Gene clone is usually technical/scientific in register.
Gene clone: in British English it is pronounced /dʒiːn kləʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒin kloʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'gene clone' as a genetic twin created in a lab – an identical copy of a single gene.
Conceptual Metaphor
COPYING/REPLICATION: A gene clone is conceptualised as a copy, a duplicate, or a replica of an original genetic blueprint.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of creating a 'gene clone'?