Example of figurative language in a scientist's writing:
"The centromeres of each paired chromosome, for the chromosomal division occurs at an earlier stage, proceed to separate, but in such a way as strongly suggests that each pair are the poles of a negative tactoid, and are in fact centres of disaggregation of the protein fibres. Thus they, so to speak, eat their way away from the equator towards the poles. That considerable forces are involved is shown by the fact that anomalous chromosomes which have not fully divided are literally torn in two. Much more research is needed to show whether this hypothesis is the correct one…
Similar explanations based on the knowledge of long range forces may go far to explain the mechanics of chromosome pairing itself. In reproduction the chromosomes belonging to the father and mother nuclei are together in identical pairs. These must, in fact, seek each other out and arrange themselves mutually with extraordinary accuracy. The variation of nucleic acid material along the chromosomes, with its complicated pattern and the corresponding variation in long range forces, may serve to explain this process. Full interaction can only occur if there is a proper opposition of parts, and the difference between a good fit and a bad may ensure that after a number of trials a fit is achieved in one place and then proceeds by zipper action over the rest of the chromosomes."
J. D. Bernal (1951) The Physical Basis of Life, Routledge and Kegan Paul
The 'eating' ('so to speak') can be considered a simile. (The reference to the 'poles' and 'equator' can be understood as metaphorical.)
Read about examples of science similes
Many examples of science similes are listed in 'Creative Comparisons: Making Science Familiar through Language. An illustrative catalogue of figurative comparisons and analogies for science concepts'. Free Download.
The 'zipper action' is only metaphorically the action of a zipper. (An analogy could be developed here considering which features of the two systems, chromosomes and zippers, do or do not map across.)
Read about metaphor in science
Read about examples of science metaphors
Many examples of science metaphors are listed in 'Creative comparisons: Making science familiar through language. An illustrative catalogue of figurative comparisons and analogies for science concepts'. Free Download.
The description of how chromosomes or chromatids "seek each other out and arrange themselves mutually" is metaphorical as they do not act deliberately with purpose – so this is an example of anthropomorphism.
Read about examples of anthropomorphism in science
