sex factor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “sex factor” mean?
A genetic element, specifically a type of plasmid, present in some bacteria that confers the ability to transfer genetic material during conjugation and determines the cell's mating type or sex.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genetic element, specifically a type of plasmid, present in some bacteria that confers the ability to transfer genetic material during conjugation and determines the cell's mating type or sex.
In molecular biology and genetics, the term refers to the F (fertility) plasmid, a circular DNA molecule that enables a bacterial cell (F+) to form a conjugation pilus and donate genetic material to a recipient (F-) cell. Informally and incorrectly, it can be misinterpreted as a psychological or social determinant of sexual behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in technical meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow national norms for accompanying text (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior').
Connotations
Exclusively technical and neutral in both varieties. Has no social or psychological connotations in correct usage.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used with identical frequency within the specific field of molecular microbiology in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sex factor” in a Sentence
The [noun] carries/harbours the sex factor.Conjugation is mediated by the sex factor.The sex factor was transferred to the recipient.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sex factor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in microbiology, genetics, and molecular biology textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. If encountered, it is likely a misunderstanding.
Technical
The primary and only correct context. Refers precisely to the F plasmid.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sex factor”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sex factor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sex factor”
- Using it to refer to attractiveness or sexual chemistry in people.
- Confusing it with 'sex-linked' or 'sex chromosome' in eukaryotic biology.
- Pronouncing it with undue emphasis on 'sex' as in human intercourse.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is a common and serious misconception. It is a technical term from genetics for a bacterial DNA element.
No. Sex chromosomes (like X and Y) are found in eukaryotes (like humans). The sex factor is a plasmid found in some prokaryotes (bacteria).
It is highly inadvisable due to the high likelihood of being misunderstood. Use it only in precise scientific discussions about bacterial genetics.
The most precise synonyms are 'F plasmid' or 'fertility factor'. These are preferred in modern scientific writing to avoid ambiguity.
A genetic element, specifically a type of plasmid, present in some bacteria that confers the ability to transfer genetic material during conjugation and determines the cell's mating type or sex.
Sex factor is usually technical / scientific in register.
Sex factor: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks ˌfaktə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks ˌfæktər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bacterial 'dating app' – the SEX FACTOR is the F plasmid that allows a cell (F+) to 'match' and connect with another (F-) to share genetic 'information' (DNA).
Conceptual Metaphor
A KEY (sex factor) that unlocks the door (cell membrane) for genetic material to be transferred from a donor to a recipient.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'sex factor' correctly used?