genetic material
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genetic material
The entirety of the genetic information of a living organism, stored in DNA. It determines hereditary traits.
Wissenschaftler haben das Erbgut der Pflanze vollständig entschlüsselt.
Scientists have completely decoded the plant's genetic material.
The word is made up of 'das Erbe' (inheritance, what is inherited) and 'das Gut' (property, valuable item). 'Das Erbgut' (genetic material) is therefore literally the 'inherited property' of a living organism.
Das Erbgut bestimmt viele unserer körperlichen Merkmale.
Genetic material determines many of our physical traits.
'Erbgut' (genetic material) is a technical term from biology and genetics. In everyday language, people are more likely to say 'Gene' (genes) or 'DNA'.
In dem wissenschaftlichen Artikel wird das Erbgut einer seltenen Tierart beschrieben.
The scientific article describes the genetic material of a rare animal species.
In scientific contexts, genetic material is often combined with certain verbs. Common collocations are: 'das Erbgut analysieren' (to analyze genetic material), 'entschlüsseln' (to decode), 'verändern' (to alter), or 'schädigen' (to damage).
Forscher versuchen, das Erbgut zu verändern, um Krankheiten zu heilen.
Researchers are trying to alter genetic material in order to cure diseases.
genome
Both words refer to the complete genetic information of a living organism. “Erbgut” is also easily understood in general-language statements, while “Genom” is used mainly as a biological technical term for this complete information. In a scientific context, “Genom” is therefore more appropriate.
Das Erbgut dieser Pflanze bestimmt viele ihrer vererbbaren Eigenschaften.
The genetic material of this plant determines many of its hereditary traits.
Die Forschenden untersuchten das Genom dieser Pflanze im Labor.
The researchers examined this plant’s genome in the laboratory.
