ALLELE FREQUENCY Meaning and
Definition
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Allele frequency refers to the relative abundance of a particular variant (allele) of a gene within a population. An allele is one of the alternative forms of a gene that occupy a specific position (locus) on a chromosome. Alleles can differ in their DNA sequence or structure, resulting in different phenotypic traits or the absence/presence of a particular disease or condition.
By studying the allele frequency in a population, scientists can gain insights into the genetic diversity and evolutionary processes occurring within that population. Allele frequency can be determined by counting the number of occurrences of a specific allele within a sample or by observing its prevalence in a larger population.
Allele frequencies are influenced by several factors, including genetic drift, gene flow, mutation rates, natural selection, and genetic recombination. Changes in allele frequencies over time can provide information about the population's history, adaptation, and potential vulnerability to diseases. Alterations in allele frequencies can also be used to identify genetic markers associated with certain traits or diseases, facilitating the study of complex genetic disorders.
Allele frequency is a fundamental concept in population genetics, enabling scientists to understand the genetic structure, variation, and dynamics within and across populations. It helps in predicting how genetic traits may change over time and in investigating the relationships between genetic diversity and various environmental factors.
Common Misspellings for ALLELE FREQUENCY
- zllele frequency
- sllele frequency
- wllele frequency
- qllele frequency
- aklele frequency
- aplele frequency
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- alkele frequency
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- aloele frequency
- allwle frequency
- allsle frequency
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- allrle frequency
- all4le frequency
- all3le frequency
- alleke frequency
- allepe frequency
- alleoe frequency
- allelw frequency
Etymology of ALLELE FREQUENCY
The word "allele" comes from the German word "Allel", which was derived from the Greek word "allelon", meaning "of one another" or "mutually". "Allel" was first introduced by the Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909 to describe the different forms of a gene that exist at a particular locus in a population.
The term "frequency" has its roots in the Latin word "frequentia", meaning "abundance" or "regular attendance". It was first used in the scientific context to describe the rate or occurrence of a particular event or phenomenon.
Therefore, the term "allele frequency" combines the German word "allele" referring to different forms of a gene and the Latin word "frequency" indicating the rate or abundance of these alleles in a population.
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