ALLELOMORPHIC Meaning and
Definition
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Allelomorphic refers to the concept of allelomorphism, which is the condition of possessing different forms or states of a gene (alleles) within a population or species. Alleles are alternative versions of the same gene that can produce contrasting effects or traits.
In genetics, allelomorphism is a fundamental principle of inheritance, as it determines the variations that can occur within a gene pool. Different versions of a gene can arise from changes in the DNA sequence, leading to distinct traits or phenotypes. These contrasting forms or allelic variants are referred to as allelomorphs.
The term allelomorphic is often used to describe the relationship between alleles when considering their expression in individuals. If individuals possess two identical alleles for a specific gene, they are called homozygous, whereas if they have two different alleles for the same gene, they are referred to as heterozygous. These different allelomorphic states influence the genetic makeup and ultimately contribute to the diversity observed within a population.
The study of allelomorphism is crucial in understanding genetic variation, inheritance patterns, and the dynamics of evolutionary processes. By analyzing allelic variation and their effects on phenotypes, scientists gain insights into the genetic basis of traits, diseases, and the mechanisms driving adaptation and speciation. Overall, allelomorphic describes the phenomenon of possessing different forms of a gene or allele within a population, offering clues into inheritance and genetic diversity.
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Noting the characters (in Mendelian heredity) which become segregated or separate from each other; see allelomorph.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ALLELOMORPHIC
- zllelomorphic
- sllelomorphic
- wllelomorphic
- qllelomorphic
- aklelomorphic
- aplelomorphic
- aolelomorphic
- alkelomorphic
- alpelomorphic
- aloelomorphic
- allwlomorphic
- allslomorphic
- alldlomorphic
- allrlomorphic
- all4lomorphic
- all3lomorphic
- allekomorphic
- allepomorphic
- alleoomorphic
Etymology of ALLELOMORPHIC
The word "allelomorphic" is derived from two roots, "allele" and "morph".
The term "allele" comes from the Greek word "allēlon", which means "of one another" or "each other". It was first introduced by the Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909 to describe different forms of a gene that exist at the same location on a chromosome. "Allele" refers to the variations of a gene that can produce different expressions or traits.
The suffix "morph" is derived from the Greek word "morphē", meaning "form" or "shape". It is commonly used as a combining form to denote the shape or structure of something. In the context of "allelomorphic", it refers to the different forms of alleles.
Therefore, when combined, "allelomorphic" refers to the existence or study of different forms or variations (morphs) of alleles.
Similar spelling words for ALLELOMORPHIC
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