genetic

Everyday

1. Genetic means to do with genes, the tiny instructions inside living cells that are passed from parents to children and decide things like eye colour. tree →
2. A genetic illness or feature is one that is passed down in families through genes. tree →
3. Genetic can describe science that studies or changes genes, as in «genetic engineering». tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on inheritance and evolution, pupils learn that offspring get a mix of genetic information from both parents, which explains why children look a bit like each parent. In news and ethics lessons, «genetically modified» (GM) food and genetic testing raise questions. Phrases: «genetic code», «genetic engineering», «genetically modified», «genetic disease».

Examples

• Eye colour is partly genetic. tree →
• DNA carries the genetic code. tree →
• Some illnesses are genetic and run in families. tree →
• Scientists are studying the genetic differences between wolves and dogs. tree →
• The crops were genetically modified to resist pests. tree →
• Identical twins share the same genetic information. tree →
• Genetic tests can show where your ancestors came from. tree →

Note

Adjective. Related: gene, genes, genetics (the science), genetically. Myth trap: not everything is genetic; what you eat, learn and do also shapes you.