| allele | <genetics> Any one of a series of two or more different genes that occupy the same position (locus) on a chromosome. Since autosomal chromosomes are paired, each autosomal locus is represented twice. If both chromosomes have the same allele, occupying the same locus, the condition is referred to as homozygous for this allele. If the alleles at the two loci are different, the individual or cell is referred to as heterozygous for both alleles. (15 Nov 1997) |
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| amorphic allele | <genetics, molecular biology> An allele which is genetically inactive. (05 Feb 1998) |
| codominant allele | In genetics, denoting an equal degree of dominance of two genes, both being expressed in the phenotype of the individual; e.g., genes A and B of the ABO blood group are codominant; individuals with both are type AB. (05 Mar 2000) |
| silent allele | 1. <genetics> A gene which is inactive. Thus, an amorphic gene. 2. <cell biology> Something that lacks a discernible shape and thus can be describes as amorphous. (05 Feb 1998) |