Reply
Mon 10 Jan, 2011 02:21 am
Context:
Hecht and the students in his lab study the relationship between biological processes on the molecular scale and processes at work on a larger magnitude. For example, he is studying how the errant folding of proteins in the brain can lead to Alzheimer's disease, and is involved in a search for compounds to thwart that process. In work that relates to the new paper, Hecht and his students also are interested in learning what processes drive the routine folding of proteins on a basic level -- as proteins need to fold in order to function -- and why certain key sequences have evolved to be central to existence.
A process is a sequece of events, and in this context, a sequence of events which have an effect which can be studied. So, in this context, "at work" means a process which can be observed in operation.
@Setanta,
Setanta wrote:
A process is a sequece of events, and in this context, a sequence of events which have an effect which can be studied. So, in this context, "at work" means a process which can be observed in operation.
"At work" is an adverbial phrase, while "a process" is a noun. So further explanation is still needed here, Set.
@oristarA,
Affect is a verb, and you should infer it, you're certainly adroit enough in English to have done so. If that is to confusing for you, then think of it as referring to "have an effect." To have is a verb.
@Setanta,
Setanta wrote:
Affect is a verb, and you should infer it, you're certainly adroit enough in English to have done so. If that is to confusing for you, then think of it as referring to "have an effect." To have is a verb.
I think I've got 80% of it.
Thank you.
@oristarA,
In means "in action". Strangely enough, you could also discuss the processes "at play" and it has the exact same meaning.
Stumble It!
Tweet This
Bookmark on Delicious
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace