molecular genetics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Academic, Scientific, Technical
Quick answer
What does “molecular genetics” mean?
The branch of genetics that studies the structure and function of genes at the molecular level, focusing on DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The branch of genetics that studies the structure and function of genes at the molecular level, focusing on DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.
A scientific discipline that investigates how genetic information is encoded, replicated, expressed, and regulated within cells, and how variations at the molecular level relate to traits, diseases, and evolution. It employs techniques like DNA sequencing, cloning, and genetic engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow national norms (e.g., 'behaviour' might appear in UK contexts in related texts, but the term itself is invariant).
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Conveys a highly technical, advanced scientific field.
Frequency
Equally frequent in academic and research contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “molecular genetics” in a Sentence
The study of X involves...Advances in X have shown...Research in X focuses on...X techniques allow scientists to...An understanding of X is crucial for...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molecular genetics” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Researchers aim to molecularly characterise the gene.
American English
- They are trying to molecularly clone the sequence.
adverb
British English
- The trait was analysed molecularly genetically.
American English
- The team worked molecularly and genetically on the problem.
adjective
British English
- The molecular-genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis.
American English
- She presented molecular genetic evidence for the theory.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of biotech investment, pharmaceutical R&D, and patent discussions. (e.g., 'The startup's valuation is based on its expertise in molecular genetics.')
Academic
Core subject in biological sciences; appears in course titles, research papers, and conference themes. (e.g., 'Her PhD dissertation contributes to the field of molecular genetics.')
Everyday
Rare. May appear in popular science articles, news about genetic testing or medical breakthroughs. (e.g., 'The article explained the disease using simple molecular genetics.')
Technical
The primary register. Used in lab protocols, research grants, and scientific discussions to specify the methodological approach. (e.g., 'We used molecular genetics to map the mutation.')
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “molecular genetics”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “molecular genetics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molecular genetics”
- Using a singular verb (is) instead of plural (are) when treating the term as a field of study (e.g., 'Molecular genetics *are* complex' is acceptable in British English, though 'is' is also common).
- Misspelling as 'molecualr genetics' or 'genetcs'.
- Confusing it with general 'genetics' or 'molecular biology' (the latter is broader).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Genetics is the broad study of genes and heredity. Molecular genetics is a sub-discipline that focuses specifically on the structure and function of genes at the molecular (DNA/RNA/protein) level.
Molecular biology is broader, studying all molecular processes within cells (including metabolism, signalling). Molecular genetics is a subset specifically concerned with genetic molecules (DNA, RNA) and their roles in inheritance and gene expression.
Key techniques include DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, gene cloning, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
No. While crucial for understanding human genetic diseases, it is equally fundamental to agriculture (crop improvement), biotechnology, evolutionary biology, and microbiology.
The branch of genetics that studies the structure and function of genes at the molecular level, focusing on DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.
Molecular genetics is usually academic, scientific, technical in register.
Molecular genetics: in British English it is pronounced /məˌlek.jə.lə dʒəˈnet.ɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˌlek.jə.lɚ dʒəˈnet̬.ɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MOLECULAR' as zooming in on the tiny MOLECULES of DNA, and 'GENETICS' as the study of inherited traits. Together, they study inheritance at the smallest chemical level.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENETIC CODE IS A LANGUAGE/BLUEPRINT (Molecular genetics is the study of deciphering this language or reading the blueprint at its most fundamental level).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the primary focus of molecular genetics?