What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
testcross
Example
To determine if the tall plant is homozygous or heterozygous, we performed a testcross with a short plant. [testcross: noun]
Example
The breeder testcrossed the red-flowered plant with a white-flowered plant to determine its genotype. [testcrossed: past tense verb]
backcross
Example
To reinforce the disease resistance trait, we performed a backcross between the F1 hybrid and the resistant parent. [backcross: noun]
Example
The breeder backcrossed the high-yielding crop with its parent to maintain its productivity. [backcrossed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Backcross is more commonly used than testcross in genetic research and breeding due to its practical applications in breeding programs.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between testcross and backcross?
Both testcross and backcross are technical terms used in genetics and breeding, and are therefore more formal in nature.
