simian virus 40: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “simian virus 40” mean?
A small DNA virus originally isolated from monkey kidney cell cultures, widely studied as a model organism in molecular biology and virology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small DNA virus originally isolated from monkey kidney cell cultures, widely studied as a model organism in molecular biology and virology.
A polyomavirus known for its ability to cause tumors in some animals and its role as a tool in biomedical research, particularly in studies of viral transformation, DNA replication, and gene regulation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; identical spelling and abbreviation usage. Minor differences may exist in pronunciation of the number '40' (/'fɔːti/' vs /'fɔrti/').
Connotations
Identical technical and scientific connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard and high-frequency within specific scientific subfields.
Grammar
How to Use “simian virus 40” in a Sentence
The research focused on [simian virus 40] transformation of cells.Contamination with [simian virus 40] was detected.The [simian virus 40] promoter drives gene expression.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “simian virus 40” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The SV40-transformed cells exhibited unusual growth.
- They used an SV40-based vector for the experiment.
American English
- The cells showed SV40-induced transformation.
- The plasmid contains an SV40 origin of replication.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in virology, molecular biology, and cancer research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare, except in specific public health discussions about vaccine safety.
Technical
Fundamental term; used in protocols (e.g., 'SV40 large T-antigen staining'), research articles, and lab discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “simian virus 40”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “simian virus 40”
- Incorrect capitalization: 'Simian Virus 40' (correct is lowercase for 'virus').
- Incorrect abbreviation: 'SM40' or 'VS40'.
- Using the full term 'simian virus 40' in a technical context where 'SV40' is expected and more concise.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
SV40 is classified as a possible human carcinogen, but the evidence for it causing cancer in humans is inconclusive. Its primary significance is as a research tool.
SV40 has been a crucial model system for understanding fundamental processes like DNA replication, transcription, cell transformation, and tumorigenesis.
In technical writing and speech, 'SV40' is the standard, concise form. The full term 'simian virus 40' might be used on first introduction in a formal text or for a non-specialist audience.
Some early batches of polio vaccine (prepared in monkey kidney cells) were contaminated with SV40 between 1955 and 1963. This led to widespread exposure but no definitive link to increased cancer rates in those vaccinated.
A small DNA virus originally isolated from monkey kidney cell cultures, widely studied as a model organism in molecular biology and virology.
Simian virus 40 is usually technical/scientific in register.
Simian virus 40: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪm.i.ən ˈvaɪ.rəs ˈfɔː.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪm.i.ən ˈvaɪ.rəs ˈfɔr.ti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of its origin: SIMIAN (monkey) VIRUS 40 (the 40th virus isolated in that research series). It's often abbreviated to its initials, SV40, which is quicker to say and write.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often framed as a 'tool' or 'model system' in biology, a 'contaminant' in vaccine history, or an 'agent' of cellular transformation.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'simian virus 40' most frequently used?