dominant allele

the version of a gene (see allele) whose effects are manifest in preference to another version of the same gene (the recessive allele) when both are present in the same cell. Hence, the trait determined by a dominant allele (the dominant trait) is apparent even when the allele is carried on only one of a pair of homologous chromosomes. The term autosomal dominant is used to describe this pattern; for example, Huntington’s disease is an autosomal dominant disorder.

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Psychology term of the day

November 16th 2024

mitosis

n. (pl. mitoses) the type of division of a cell nucleus that produces two identical daughter nuclei, each possessing the same number and type of chromosomes as the parent nucleus. It is usually accompanied by division of the cytoplasm, leading to the formation of two identical daughter cells. Compare meiosis. —mitotic adj.