Chimera (genetics)
Chimera (genetics)
Chimera (pronunciation: /kɪˈmɪərə/ or /kaɪˈmɪərə/) in genetics refers to an organism or tissue that contains at least two different sets of DNA, with the cells originating from different zygotes. The term is derived from the Greek mythological creature Chimera, which was a hybrid creature composed of parts of different animals.
Etymology
The term 'Chimera' comes from the Greek word 'Χίμαιρα' (Chímaira), which refers to a mythological creature that was a hybrid of a lion, goat, and serpent. In genetics, the term is used metaphorically to describe an organism that contains cells from different zygotes.
Types of Chimeras
There are several types of chimeras in genetics, including:
- Tetragametic chimeras: These are formed from four parent cells (two fertilized eggs or early embryos fused together). Each population of cells keeps its own character and the resulting organism is a mixture of tissues.
- Microchimeras: These occur when cells from another individual are present in small numbers in the body. This can happen following pregnancy, organ transplant, or blood transfusion.
Related Terms
- Mosaicism: A condition in which cells within the same person have a different genetic makeup.
- Hybrid (biology): An organism that is the offspring of two animals or plants of different species or varieties.
- Genetic recombination: The production of offspring with combinations of traits that differ from those found in either parent.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chimera (genetics)
- Wikipedia's article - Chimera (genetics)
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