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'''Wild type''' (often abbreviated '''WT''') is a term used in [[genetics]] to refer to the [[phenotype]] of the typical form of a species as it occurs in nature. Originally, the wild type was conceptualized as a product of the standard "normal" [[gene]]s, in contrast to "mutants" that had experienced changes in their DNA. Today, however, it is understood that most organisms carry a significant load of [[genetic variation]], and the concept of a single "wild type" genome has been replaced by the idea of a [[gene pool]].
== Wild Type ==


== Definition and usage ==
[[File:Inside_a_wild-type_banana.jpg|thumb|right|Inside a wild-type banana]]


The term "wild type" is used in genetics to denote the typical phenotype of a species as it occurs in nature. It is used to contrast with [[mutant]] phenotypes, which are caused by changes in the DNA sequence. The wild type phenotype is considered "normal" and is used as a standard to study genetic changes.
The term '''wild type''' refers to the phenotype of the typical form of a species as it occurs in nature. In genetics, it is used to describe the standard or reference type, which is the most common form or allele of a gene in a population. Wild type alleles are considered the "normal" alleles, as opposed to mutant alleles, which are variations that arise through mutation.


== History ==
== Genetics ==


The concept of the wild type in genetics was first introduced by [[Thomas Hunt Morgan]], an American evolutionary biologist, geneticist, and embryologist. He used the term to describe the standard phenotype of an organism, in contrast to mutants that had experienced changes in their DNA.
In [[genetics]], the wild type is the allele that is most frequently observed in a natural population. It is often used as a reference point for identifying and studying [[mutations]]. The wild type allele is typically dominant, but this is not always the case. In some instances, the wild type can be recessive, depending on the genetic context and the specific trait being examined.


== Modern understanding ==
== Phenotype ==


Today, it is understood that most organisms carry a significant load of genetic variation, and the concept of a single "wild type" genome has been replaced by the idea of a gene pool. This means that there is no single "normal" genome, but rather a range of possible genomes that can produce the wild type phenotype.
The [[phenotype]] of an organism is the set of observable characteristics or traits, such as morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, and behavior. The wild type phenotype is the standard or "normal" phenotype that is observed in the natural environment. It serves as a baseline for comparison with mutant phenotypes, which may exhibit variations due to genetic mutations.


== See also ==
== Importance in Research ==


Wild type organisms are crucial in [[biological research]] as they provide a baseline for understanding the effects of genetic mutations. By comparing wild type and mutant organisms, researchers can identify the functions of specific genes and understand how genetic variations contribute to different traits and diseases.
== Examples ==
One example of a wild type organism is the [[wild-type banana]], which is depicted in the image to the right. Unlike the cultivated bananas that are commonly consumed, wild-type bananas contain seeds and have a different texture and flavor. This distinction highlights the differences between wild type and domesticated or selectively bred organisms.
== Related Pages ==
* [[Mutation]]
* [[Genotype]]
* [[Genotype]]
* [[Phenotype]]
* [[Phenotype]]
* [[Mutation]]
* [[Allele]]
* [[Genetic variation]]
* [[Genetic variation]]
* [[Gene pool]]
== References ==
<references />


[[Category:Genetics]]
[[Category:Genetics]]
[[Category:Evolutionary biology]]
[[Category:Genetic variation]]
[[Category:Gene pool]]
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Latest revision as of 11:17, 15 February 2025

Wild Type[edit]

Inside a wild-type banana

The term wild type refers to the phenotype of the typical form of a species as it occurs in nature. In genetics, it is used to describe the standard or reference type, which is the most common form or allele of a gene in a population. Wild type alleles are considered the "normal" alleles, as opposed to mutant alleles, which are variations that arise through mutation.

Genetics[edit]

In genetics, the wild type is the allele that is most frequently observed in a natural population. It is often used as a reference point for identifying and studying mutations. The wild type allele is typically dominant, but this is not always the case. In some instances, the wild type can be recessive, depending on the genetic context and the specific trait being examined.

Phenotype[edit]

The phenotype of an organism is the set of observable characteristics or traits, such as morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, and behavior. The wild type phenotype is the standard or "normal" phenotype that is observed in the natural environment. It serves as a baseline for comparison with mutant phenotypes, which may exhibit variations due to genetic mutations.

Importance in Research[edit]

Wild type organisms are crucial in biological research as they provide a baseline for understanding the effects of genetic mutations. By comparing wild type and mutant organisms, researchers can identify the functions of specific genes and understand how genetic variations contribute to different traits and diseases.

Examples[edit]

One example of a wild type organism is the wild-type banana, which is depicted in the image to the right. Unlike the cultivated bananas that are commonly consumed, wild-type bananas contain seeds and have a different texture and flavor. This distinction highlights the differences between wild type and domesticated or selectively bred organisms.

Related Pages[edit]