Canadian Medical Guide > Biological Sciences > Genetic Phenomena > Variation (Genetics) > Polymorphism (Genetics) Terms and Definitions

Polymorphism (Genetics)

Medical Definition:	The regular and simultaneous occurrence in a single interbreeding population of two or more discontinuous genotypes. The concept includes differences in genotypes ranging in size from a single nucleotide site (POLYMORPHISM, SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE) to large nucleotide sequence visible at a chromosomal level.
Guide Notes:	DF: POLYMORPHISM
Previously Indexed:	Genetics (1966-1967),Genetics, Population (1966-1967)

Polymorphism (Genetics) Categories.

	Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length - Variation occurring within a species in the presence or length of DNA fragment generated by a specific endonuclease at a specific site in the genome. Such variations are generated by mutations that create or abolish recognition sites for these enzymes or change the length of the fragment.
	Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide - A single nucleotide variation in a genetic sequence that occurs at appreciable frequency in the population.
	Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational - Variation in a population's DNA sequence that is detected by determining alterations in the conformation of denatured DNA fragments. Denatured DNA fragments are allowed to renature under conditions that prevent the formation of double-stranded DNA and allow secondary structure to form in single stranded fragments. These fragments are then run through polyacrylamide gels to detect variations in the secondary structure that is manifested as an alteration in migration through the gels.

Polymorphism (Genetics) Medical Definitions and Terms

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