ALLELIC IMBALANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Allelic imbalance refers to an inequality in the expression or representation of alleles at a particular gene locus. In a diploid organism, such as humans, each gene is typically present in two copies, known as alleles, with one inherited from each parent. In an ideal scenario, both alleles would be expressed or represented equally, resulting in a balanced allelic distribution.
However, allelic imbalance can occur due to various factors, leading to a disparity in the expression levels or representation of the two alleles. This imbalance can manifest differently depending on the underlying mechanism. For instance, allelic imbalance could result from differential transcription rates, leading to one allele being expressed at higher levels than the other. It can also arise due to post-transcriptional modifications or differential stability of the corresponding mRNAs.
Allelic imbalance can have significant implications in various biological processes, including genetic disorders and disease susceptibility. It can contribute to the pathogenesis of certain genetic conditions, influencing the severity and variability of symptoms. Researchers often investigate allelic imbalance to identify genetic factors associated with disease risk or to understand the mechanisms underlying normal cellular processes.
Various techniques can be employed to detect allelic imbalance, such as DNA sequencing, genotyping, and expression profiling. These approaches enable the measurement of allele-specific expression or representation, facilitating the identification of allelic imbalances. By studying allelic imbalance, researchers can gain insights into the complex interplay between genetics and various phenotypic traits or disease states.
Common Misspellings for ALLELIC IMBALANCE
- zllelic imbalance
- sllelic imbalance
- wllelic imbalance
- qllelic imbalance
- aklelic imbalance
- aplelic imbalance
- aolelic imbalance
- alkelic imbalance
- alpelic imbalance
- aloelic imbalance
- allwlic imbalance
- allslic imbalance
- alldlic imbalance
- allrlic imbalance
- all4lic imbalance
- all3lic imbalance
- allekic imbalance
- allepic imbalance
- alleoic imbalance
- alleluc imbalance
Etymology of ALLELIC IMBALANCE
The term "allelic imbalance" has derived from a combination of two words: "allele" and "imbalance".
1. "Allele" is a term used in genetics to define variants of a particular gene. Genes exist in pairs on a specific location called a locus on a chromosome. Each member of the gene pair is an allele. Alleles can be either the same (homozygous) or different (heterozygous).
2. "Imbalance" refers to a lack of equilibrium or an unequal distribution. In the context of genetics, allelic imbalance refers to an uneven proportion of different alleles in a specific region or population.
Therefore, "allelic imbalance" is a term that describes the unequal distribution or abnormal ratio of allelic variants of a specific gene or locus.
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