molecular clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Academic, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “molecular clock” mean?
A technique in evolutionary biology that uses the constant rate of mutation in DNA sequences to estimate the time when species diverged from a common ancestor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A technique in evolutionary biology that uses the constant rate of mutation in DNA sequences to estimate the time when species diverged from a common ancestor.
The concept that genetic mutations accumulate at a roughly constant rate over evolutionary time, serving as a 'tick' to measure evolutionary divergence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both varieties treat it as a compound noun.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in academic biology contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “molecular clock” in a Sentence
The molecular clock suggests [that]...Researchers used the molecular clock to estimate...According to the molecular clock,...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molecular clock” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- molecular-clock analysis
- molecular-clock estimate
American English
- molecular-clock analysis
- molecular-clock estimate
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
The molecular clock is a fundamental tool in phylogenetics for reconstructing evolutionary timescales.
Technical
Calibration of the molecular clock often relies on well-dated fossil evidence or biogeographic events.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “molecular clock”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “molecular clock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molecular clock”
- Using 'the molecular clock' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a molecular clock'). It's usually uncountable/definite. | Misunderstanding it as a literal, physical clock.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an approximation. Rates can vary between lineages and genes, so it must be calibrated using independent evidence like fossils.
DNA or protein sequence data from different species, focusing on neutral mutations that accumulate over time.
It is most reliably used for organisms with well-studied genetics and some independent calibration points (e.g., fossils, known geographic separations).
The concept was pioneered in the 1960s by biologists such as Emile Zuckerkandl and Linus Pauling, based on observations of hemoglobin mutation rates.
A technique in evolutionary biology that uses the constant rate of mutation in DNA sequences to estimate the time when species diverged from a common ancestor.
Molecular clock is usually academic, scientific in register.
Molecular clock: in British English it is pronounced /məˈlekjʊlə klɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈlekjələr klɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The molecular clock is ticking (rare, metaphorical use implying evolutionary change is ongoing)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DNA mutations as tiny, regular 'ticks' on an evolutionary stopwatch.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS MEASURABLE CHANGE (Mutations serve as ticks of a clock measuring evolutionary time).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the molecular clock?