Polymorphic
Polymorphic
Polymorphic (pronunciation: /ˌpɒlɪˈmɔːfɪk/), derived from the Greek words 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'morph' meaning 'form', is a term used in various fields of study, including genetics, computer science, and linguistics. In the context of medicine, it refers to the occurrence of different forms, types, or morphs among the individuals of a population or species.
Etymology
The term 'polymorphic' is derived from the Greek words 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'morph' meaning 'form'. It was first used in the English language in the mid-19th century.
In Medicine
In the field of medicine, 'polymorphic' is often used to describe a genetic trait that exists in more than one form in a population. For example, the ABO blood group system is polymorphic because it has more than one allele that can determine the blood type.
A 'polymorphic gene' is a gene that exists as two or more alleles within a population. An example of a polymorphic gene is the one responsible for the ABO blood group system.
A 'polymorphic population' is a population in which a polymorphic gene is present.
Related Terms
- Allele: One of two or more versions of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome.
- Gene: The basic physical and functional unit of heredity.
- Genetics: The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
- Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.
- Species: The largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polymorphic
- Wikipedia's article - Polymorphic
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