noun · academic

genetics

/dʒəˈnɛtɪks/ge·NET·ics

Band 7+speakingtask2

The scientific study of genes, heredity, and the variation of organisms.

Examples

Research in genetics can explain why some diseases run in families.

Genetics plays a role in predisposition to certain conditions.

She studied genetics at university before becoming a researcher.

Band 8 sentence

Advances in genetics are enabling more personalised treatments based on an individual's DNA profile.

Collocations

  • genetics research
  • genetic testing
  • genetic disorder

Word family

genetic adjectivegenetically adverbgene noun

Common mistakes

He has a genetics disease.He has a genetic disease.

Genetics are complicated.Genetics is complicated.

Say it for a higher band

5genes6heredity7+genetics

Synonyms

heredity

Easily confused

hereditary

The condition appeared to be hereditary rather than caused by lifestyle.

Related words

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In Health & Fitness

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