Genetic polymorphism
Genetic polymorphism
Genetic polymorphism (/dʒɪˈnɛtɪk pɒlɪˈmɔːrfɪzəm/) is a term used in genetics to describe the occurrence of two or more different forms, or alleles, of a particular gene in a population.
Etymology
The term "polymorphism" comes from the Greek words "poly" meaning many, and "morph" meaning form. Thus, it refers to the existence of many forms of a gene. The prefix "genetic" is derived from the Greek word "genesis" which means origin or source, indicating that these variations originate from the genes themselves.
Related Terms
- Allele: One of two or more versions of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome.
- Genotype: The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
- Phenotype: The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
- Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene.
- Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): A type of polymorphism involving variation at a single base pair.
Overview
Genetic polymorphism is a fundamental aspect of the genetic variation observed in natural populations. It is the raw material for natural selection and evolution, as it represents the genetic diversity that can be acted upon by selection pressures.
Polymorphisms can occur in both coding and non-coding regions of the genome. In coding regions, they can lead to different protein variants, while in non-coding regions, they can affect gene expression levels.
There are several types of genetic polymorphisms, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions or deletions (indels), and copy number variations (CNVs).
Genetic polymorphisms can have various effects on an organism's phenotype, ranging from no effect at all to a significant impact on an organism's appearance, behavior, or physiology. They can also influence an individual's susceptibility to certain diseases.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Genetic polymorphism
- Wikipedia's article - Genetic polymorphism
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