structural gene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low in everyday use, but medium to high in scientific and academic contexts.Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “structural gene” mean?
A gene that codes for a protein or functional RNA molecule with a structural or functional role in the cell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A gene that codes for a protein or functional RNA molecule with a structural or functional role in the cell.
In genetics, a structural gene is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into polypeptides or serves as functional RNA, directly contributing to cellular structure or function, as opposed to regulatory genes that control gene expression.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Similarly precise and technical in both variants, with no additional connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in scientific literature and discussions in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “structural gene” in a Sentence
[determiner] structural gene for [noun phrase][determiner] structural gene that [verb phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “structural gene” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team has been analysing the structural gene for months.
American English
- Researchers identified the structural gene using advanced techniques.
adverb
British English
- The protein is structurally dependent on the gene.
American English
- It functions structurally through the gene's expression.
adjective
British English
- The structural gene project yielded significant findings.
American English
- Structural gene studies are essential for genetic engineering.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.
Academic
Frequently used in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related fields.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Common in scientific papers, research discussions, and laboratory settings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “structural gene”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “structural gene”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “structural gene”
- Mispronouncing 'gene' as 'jean', or using 'structural' loosely to mean any important gene rather than specifically protein-coding.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A structural gene is a gene that encodes a protein or functional RNA molecule, directly contributing to the structure or function of a cell.
Structural genes produce molecules that perform cellular tasks, while regulatory genes control when and how structural genes are expressed.
It is primarily used in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related scientific disciplines.
Yes, mutations in structural genes can lead to changes in protein function, potentially causing genetic disorders or variations in traits.
A gene that codes for a protein or functional RNA molecule with a structural or functional role in the cell.
Structural gene is usually technical/academic in register.
Structural gene: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrʌk.tʃər.əl dʒiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrʌk.tʃɚ.əl dʒiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'structure' in 'structural gene'—it helps build the structural components of cells through proteins.
Conceptual Metaphor
A blueprint for constructing cellular machinery.
Practice
Quiz
What distinguishes a structural gene from other types of genes?