Definition of polymorphism
: the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: such asa (1) : existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex (2) : existence of a gene in several allelic forms; also : a variation in a specific DNA sequence (3) : existence of a molecule (such as an enzyme) in several forms in a single speciesb : the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure
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Recent Examples of polymorphism from the Web
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Abnormal changes in these base pairs, called single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, might be the root causes of most noninfectious human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis.
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1839
First Known Use of polymorphism
1839
Medical Dictionary
polymorphism
playMedical Definition of polymorphism
: the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: asa (1): existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex (2): existence of a gene in several allelic forms; also : a variation in a specific sequence of DNA (3): existence of a molecule (as an enzyme) in several forms in a single speciesb: the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure
Learn More about polymorphism
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polymorphism
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