POLYMORPHISMS Meaning and
Definition
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Polymorphisms refer to the naturally occurring genetic variations or mutations that can be found in the DNA sequence of a species. These variations occur when there are differences in the nucleotide sequence, often involving changes in a single base pair. Polymorphisms can be present in both coding and non-coding regions of the DNA, including genes, regulatory regions, and even repetitive sequences.
Polymorphisms are considered normal variations within a population, and they play a significant role in the diversity and evolution of species. These genetic variations can result in different variants or alleles of a given gene, and they often have functional consequences. Polymorphisms can give rise to different traits, phenotypes, or susceptibilities to certain diseases among individuals.
Various types of polymorphisms have been identified, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions/deletions (indels), and tandem repeat variations. SNPs are the most common form of polymorphisms and involve the substitution of one nucleotide for another. They can occur throughout the genome and are useful for genetic studies, such as association analyses.
Polymorphisms are of great interest in fields such as genetics, genomics, and evolutionary biology, as they contribute to the natural variation observed within a species' population. Additionally, the study of polymorphisms allows researchers to understand the genetic basis of traits, diseases, and population genetics.
Etymology of POLYMORPHISMS
The word "polymorphisms" is derived from two Greek roots - "poly" and "morph".
1. "Poly" is a Greek prefix meaning "many" or "multiple". It comes from the Greek word "polus", which means "much" or "many".
2. "Morph" is a Greek root meaning "form" or "shape". It comes from the Greek word "morphē", which means "form" or "shape".
When combined, "poly" and "morph" form the word "polymorph", which refers to something that has or can take on multiple forms or shapes.
The suffix "-ism" is added to "polymorph" to form "polymorphisms". In linguistics, "-ism" is a suffix used to denote a state, condition, doctrine, or practice.
