the usage of Prep.

[straw_1212]

Hi there,

In the sentence 'Here we examined the regulation of Semaphorin3G (Sema3G) in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and its potential role on endothelial cell in vitro', is the Prep 'on' right here after the word 'role'? If not, which one i have to choose?

Thank you in advance!

[billmcd]

Hi there,

In the sentence 'Here we examined the regulation of Semaphorin3G (Sema3G) in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and its potential role on endothelial cell in vitro', is the Prep 'on' right here after the word 'role'? If not, which one i have to choose?

Thank you in advance!

I think that, rather than changing the preposition "on", I would replace "role" with "affect".

[Allen165]

I think that, rather than changing the preposition "on", I would replace "role" with "affect".

NOT A TEACHER.

Surely you mean "effect"?

"[A]nd its potential role in endothelial cells in vitro."

"[A]nd its potential effect on endothelial cells in vitro."

[billmcd]

NOT A TEACHER.

Surely you mean "effect"?

"[A]nd its potential role in endothelial cells in vitro."

"[A]nd its potential effect on endothelial cells in vitro."

Thanks. I stand, or sit, corrected.

[straw_1212]

Great thanks to both of you!!

What i m currently thinking is what exactly 'in' or 'on' here means? To be honest, I can't see any differences between 'role in' and 'role on'.

Any particular advice for me to distinguish these two or it's just a fixed term i have to mechanically memorize?

Also, what's the difference between 'role in' and 'effect on' in this sentence?

[billmcd]

Great thanks to both of you!!

What i m currently thinking is what exactly 'in' or 'on' here means? To be honest, I can't see any differences between 'role in' and 'role on'.

Any particular advice for me to distinguish these two or it's just a fixed term i have to mechanically memorize?

Also, what's the difference between 'role in' and 'effect on' in this sentence?

You might receive other opinions, but I typically and primarily consider the term "role" as that associated with behavior and therefore a function also associated with a person. If you or anyone insists on use of "role in", I see little difference between "role in" and "effect (Jasmin please note) on". "Role on" however, doesn't work for me.