Akademik

Polymorphic

Pertaining to a polymorphism, a variation in the DNA that is too common to be due merely to new mutation. A polymorphism must have a frequency of at least 1% in the population. Examples of polymorphic genes include those for sickle cell disease, thalassemia and G6PD deficiency. These genes are widely believed to offer an advantage against malaria.

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Occurring in more than one morphologic form. SYN: multiform, pleomorphic (1), pleomorphous, polymorphous. [G. polymorphos, multiform]

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poly·mor·phic .päl-i-'mȯr-fik adj of, relating to, or having polymorphism <a \polymorphic species> <a \polymorphic genetic locus> <\polymorphic proteins>

poly·mor·phi·cal·ly -fi-k(ə-)lē adv

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poly·mor·phic (pol″e-morґfik) [poly- + morph- + -ic] occurring in several or many forms; appearing in different forms at different stages of development. Called also polymorphous.

Medical dictionary. 2011.