Polymorphisms: Origins and Maintenance

Kenneth M Weiss, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA

Published online: May 2008

DOI: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0005449.pub2

Polymorphism is variation in specific locations in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence. Some authors use the term only for variant alleles with at least 1% frequency in a population. This shows the population dependence of the concept itself. Variation arises initially by some form of mutation in a single individual but, because DNA is transmitted from parent to offspring, over time the frequency and geographical distribution of a genetic variant is essentially a population concept that depends on history.

Keywords: variation; evolution; polymorphism; single nucleotide polymorphism; population genetics

Figure 1. Schematic tree showing relationships between human geography and genetic distance.
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Related Sub-Topics:

Population Structure and Genetics | Variation by Mutation and Recombination | Inter-Individual Variation and Polymorphism
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Article Title: Polymorphisms: Origins and Maintenance
 
How to Cite close
Weiss, Kenneth M(May 2008) Polymorphisms: Origins and Maintenance. In: eLS. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester. http://www.els.net [doi: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0005449.pub2]