| Health / Medical Topics |
Genetic Polymorphism
Definition 1
The regular and simultaneous occurrence of alternative nucleotide sequences at equivalent locations of the genetic material among individuals of a single interbreeding population that are not maintained by recurrent mutation. Polymorphisms may range in size from single nucleotide to large nucleotide sequence variation visible at the chromosomal level. (NCI Thesaurus)
Definition 2
A common change in the genetic code in DNA. Polymorphisms can have a harmful effect, a good effect, or no effect. Some polymorphisms have been shown to increase the risk of certain types of cancer. (NCI Dictionary)
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
NIH Emphasis Area -- In the realm of genetic medicine, the rapid progress of the Human Genome Project, a growing understanding of…
A specific change in a person’s DNA that makes the person more likely to develop certain diseases such as cancer.
Alteration in DNA that may indicate an increased risk of developing a specific disease or disorder.
The process of measuring the extent of crossovers between chromosomes as a gauge of the distance between genes.
The tendency for genes or segments of DNA closely positioned along a chromosome to segregate together at meiosis, and therefore be inherited…
A sequence of biological or biochemical events that are involved in the conversion of genetic information into physiologically active molecules, such as…
