Is this a proper use of a semicolon?

Question

Is this a correctly formed sentence? In formal writing does the sentence need to be broken into two sentences?> As an example consider Myc; when overexpressed it can be a powerful promoter of uncontrolled cell division, yet without accompanying anti-apoptotic mutations, induces cell death.

Answer 1

Grammatically, you're correct, though I'd put a comma after example. I would prefer a colon in this case, however, but it's personal preference. Colons are typically used to introduce a definition or explanation. If you're going to use a semicolon, it's because you have two independent clauses (sentences that stand on their own) but are closely related. If you used a colon, you'd capitalize the first letter after the colon if it is a full sentence.