Part of Speech

"Gen" is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/ɡen/

Translation Options into English

• Gene

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "gen" refers to the basic unit of heredity in a living organism. Genes are a segment of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins and influence various traits in organisms. The use of "gen" is predominantly encountered in scientific and medical contexts, particularly within genetics and biology. It is more frequently found in written forms such as scientific papers, articles, and textbooks, but it can also be used in oral discussions among professionals in related fields.

Example Sentences

1. Los genes son responsables de la herencia de características en los seres vivos.
   Genes are responsible for the inheritance of characteristics in living beings.

2. La mutación en este gen puede provocar enfermedades genéticas.
   The mutation in this gene can cause genetic diseases.

3. Los avances en la terapia génica están revolucionando la medicina moderna.
   Advances in gene therapy are revolutionizing modern medicine.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "gen" itself is not frequently found in idiomatic expressions in everyday Spanish, as it is primarily a technical term. However, "genético" (genetic) appears in several phrases and discussions about genetics.

Example Sentences with “Genético”

1. La investigación genética ha permitido entender mejor las enfermedades hereditarias.
   Genetic research has allowed us to better understand hereditary diseases.

2. Algunas pruebas genéticas pueden predecir la susceptibilidad a ciertas condiciones de salud.
   Some genetic tests can predict susceptibility to certain health conditions.

3. La modificación genética de cultivos es un tema controversial en la agricultura.
   The genetic modification of crops is a controversial topic in agriculture.

Etymology

The word "gen" originates from the Greek word "genea," which means "birth" or "origin." It entered the Spanish language through the scientific nomenclature in the field of genetics, reflecting the fundamental nature of genes as units of heredity.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:
- Alelo (allele) - refers to different versions of a gene.
- ADN (DNA) - deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that contains genetic information.

Antonyms:
- No hay antónimos directos para "gen", ya que se trata de un término técnico específico.
(There are no direct antonyms for "gen" as it is a specific technical term.)