Allogeneic is a medical term that refers to the transfer of cells, tissues or organs from a donor to a recipient that are not genetically identical. The word is spelled as "ælədʒɛnɪk" in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. The "a" sound in Allo is a short "a" like in the word "apple", followed by the schwa vowel sound in "gene". The last syllable is pronounced as "ik". Allogeneic is an important concept in transplantation medicine and immunology, as it relates to tissue and organ rejection between genetically distinct individuals.
Allogeneic is an adjective that describes organisms or substances derived from different individuals of the same species. It typically refers to cells, tissues, or organs transferred between individuals who are not genetically identical to each other.
In the field of medicine, allogeneic often refers to allogeneic transplantation or allografts. This is the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient who is not biologically related to the donor. These transplants are commonly used in procedures such as blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, and organ transplants. The donor and recipient must have compatible genetic markers for a successful allogeneic transplant to occur.
Allogeneic substances are different from autologous substances, which are derived from the same individual. Autologous transplants involve using the patient's own cells or tissues, reducing the risk of rejection or complications. However, allogeneic transplants are often necessary when autologous options are not available or suitable.
In addition to medical applications, the term allogeneic can also be applied to describe plants, animals, or microorganisms that are bred or manipulated to carry foreign genes from individuals of the same species. This could include, for example, cultivating crops with specific beneficial traits through crossbreeding or genetically modifying organisms to express desired characteristics.
The word "allogeneic" is derived from two Greek roots: "allo" meaning 'other' or 'different,' and "genos" meaning 'birth' or 'origin.' When combined, "allogeneic" refers to something that is derived from another source or origin. In the medical field, "allogeneic" is most commonly used to describe a medical procedure or treatment involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs between individuals of the same species but with a different genetic makeup.