What this suffix does
-some comes from the Greek "soma" (body) and names structures inside the cell with a specific function: chromosome (carries DNA), ribosome (builds proteins), lysosome (breaks down waste inside the cell).
ESEN
Suffix · forms nouns
-some
From Greek "soma" (body): names cellular structures or bodies. Chromosome, ribosome.
In Spanish: -soma / -somoScientific
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
The -ome variant: "the complete set of"
genome = the complete genetic material of an organism (not a single structure, the whole set). From there came a whole family: proteome (all the proteins), microbiome (all the microorganisms in your gut), and the sciences that study them: genomics, proteomics.
How it is formed
Root (colour, function or associated molecule) + some.
- colour or staining + somechromo (colour) = chromosome
- molecule or function + someribo (ribose) = ribosomelyso (dissolve) = lysosomecentro (centre) = centrosomepero (peroxide) = peroxisome
- gene or set + ome (variant)gen = genomeprot = proteomemicro = microbiomepheno = phenome
Family: -some (cellular structure), -somal (adjective: chromosomal, ribosomal), -omics (science of the complete set: genomics, proteomics, microbiomics). The -ome ending (no s) is the variant meaning "complete set of", not a single structure.
How it is pronounced
-some/səʊm/ · rhymes with 'home'
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Base word
With -some
In a phrase
- chromo (colour)chromosomeDown syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in the cells.
- ribo (ribose)ribosomeEvery ribosome in your body builds proteins by reading genetic instructions.
- lyso (dissolve)lysosomeWhen a lysosome stops working properly, waste builds up inside the cell.
- centro (centre)centrosomeThe centrosome must duplicate before a cell can divide into two daughter cells.
- pero (peroxide)peroxisomeDoctors diagnosed her with a rare peroxisome disorder that affects liver function.
- auto (self)autosomeHumans have 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes in each cell.
- gengenomeScientists sequenced the entire human genome for the first time in 2003.
- micromicrobiomeResearch shows that your gut microbiome plays a key role in immune health.
- protproteomeMapping the human proteome is far more complex than sequencing the genome alone.
- soma (body)somaticA somatic mutation that occurs in skin cells cannot be passed on to children.
Common mistakes
confusing "some" (Greek suffix) with "some" (English = a few)
"some" in biology = cellular body; in everyday English = a quantity
"some" as an English word = a certain amount (somebody, something, somehow). "-some" as Greek suffix = body (chromosome, ribosome). Same spelling, completely different meanings.
"chromosoma" (Spanish ending)
chromosome
In English: chromosome (not "chromosoma"). The Spanish -soma ending becomes -some in English: chromosome, ribosome, lysosome.
"genomesome"
genome
"genome" uses the contracted variant -ome (no s): gen + ome = genome. The -ome ending signals "complete set of" rather than a single structure.
A trick to remember it
"-some" comes from Greek "soma" (body). Each word names a PART of the cell's "body": chromo-SOME = the "body" that carries color (chromo). For the -ome variant, drop the "s" to mean "the WHOLE set": gen-OME = the entire "body" of genes together, not a single piece.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
What does a "ribosome" do?
Exercise 3 · Pick the right one
"Genome" refers to...
Frequently asked questions
What does the suffix -some mean in English?
The suffix -some from Greek "soma" (body): names cellular structures or bodies. Chromosome, ribosome. In Spanish it usually maps to -soma / -somo.
How do you pronounce -some?
The ending -some is pronounced /səʊm/ · rhymes with 'home'. For example, "chromosome".
Can you give an example of a word with -some?
"chromo (colour)" becomes "chromosome". It is a typical example of the -some suffix.
Other useful suffixes
-gen / -genesis
From Greek "genein" (to produce, to originate): names what produces something or the origin of a process. Oxygen, pathogen.
-lysis
From Greek "lysis" (loosening, dissolving): indicates decomposition, separation or dissolution. Analysis, dialysis.
-ology / -logy
Names a science or field of study: bio + ology = biology.
Learn every English suffix
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