GENE LETHALITY Meaning and
Definition
-
Gene lethality refers to the condition or characteristic of a gene or genetic mutation that causes the death or significant impairment of an organism. It refers to the phenomenon when a particular gene variant or mutation results in a lethal outcome, often leading to severe defects or abnormalities in the affected organism. Gene lethality can occur in various forms, such as embryonic lethality, where the gene is essential for normal development and its absence results in early embryonic death. This can also manifest as postnatal lethality, where the gene defect leads to death shortly after birth.
In genetics, gene lethality is generally determined through studies involving knockout models, where the specific gene of interest is deactivated or manipulated to examine its effects on the organism's survival. These studies enable researchers to understand the essential functions of genes and their impact on an organism's viability.
Gene lethality can occur due to a variety of factors. For example, a gene may regulate crucial cellular processes or control the production of essential proteins necessary for the organism's survival. Mutations in these genes can disrupt these processes, leading to severe biological dysfunction or death. Understanding gene lethality has significant implications in medical genetics, as it provides valuable insights into the causes of genetic disorders, aids in the development of therapeutic interventions, and contributes to our understanding of basic biological processes.
Etymology of GENE LETHALITY
The term "gene lethality" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two independent words - "gene" and "lethality".
1. Gene: The word "gene" originates from the German word "Gen", coined by the Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909. Johannsen used the term to describe the basic unit of heredity, which he believed was responsible for passing on specific traits from one generation to another.
2. Lethality: The word "lethality" comes from the Latin word "letalis", meaning deadly or fatal. It is derived from the Latin noun "letum", which refers to death. The suffix "-ity" is added to "lethal" to form "lethality", making it a noun that signifies the capacity or quality of causing death.
