Translation guide
A gene bank is a facility or collection that stores genetic material, such as seeds, sperm, eggs, or DNA, for conservation, research, or breeding. In Japanese, this concept is expressed with specific terms depending on the type of genetic material and context.
To refer to a gene bank in a broad sense, such as a facility preserving genetic resources.
The most direct translation, used for general gene banks storing DNA or genetic information. Common in scientific and medical contexts.
この遺伝子バンクは希少種のDNAを保存している。
This gene bank preserves the DNA of rare species.
Emphasizes 'genetic resources', often used in agriculture or biodiversity contexts.
国際遺伝資源バンクが作物の多様性を守っている。
The international gene bank protects crop diversity.
To refer specifically to a facility that stores seeds for conservation or agriculture.
The standard term for a seed bank. Used in botanical and agricultural contexts.
スヴァールバル世界種子バンクには何百万もの種子が保管されている。
Millions of seeds are stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
Loanword from English, also used, but 種子バンク is more common in formal writing.
その植物園はシードバンクを運営している。
The botanical garden operates a seed bank.
To refer to a facility storing animal genetic material like sperm, eggs, or embryos.
Also used for animal gene banks, but context usually clarifies the type. Often specified further.
動物園は絶滅危惧種のための遺伝子バンクを設立した。
The zoo established a gene bank for endangered species.
Specifically a sperm bank, often for livestock breeding or human fertility.
畜産農家は精子バンクから優良な種牛の精子を購入する。
Livestock farmers purchase sperm from elite bulls from the sperm bank.
Egg bank, less common but used in specific contexts.
卵子バンクは不妊治療に利用される。
Egg banks are used for fertility treatment.
To refer to a collection of microbial strains or DNA sequences for research.
Used for banks of microbial cultures, common in biotechnology.
その研究所は微生物バンクから大腸菌の株を入手した。
The lab obtained a strain of E. coli from the microbial bank.
Specifically a bank of DNA samples or data, often used in forensics or genomics.
警察はDNAバンクのデータを犯罪捜査に活用している。
The police use DNA bank data for criminal investigations.
遺伝子バンク is a broad term covering any type of gene bank, while 種子バンク specifically refers to seed banks. Use 種子バンク when the context is clearly about plants and seeds.
遺伝子バンクには種子だけでなく、DNAサンプルも含まれる。
A gene bank includes not only seeds but also DNA samples.