Definition

Noun: 1. (Genetics) One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place (locus) on a chromosome. These forms control variations of the same inherited characteristic (e.g., eye color). One allelomorph is inherited from each parent.

Usage Notes

• Technical Term: "Allelomorph" is a highly technical, formal term used almost exclusively in genetics. In modern usage, it is more commonly shortened to "allele".
• Pair/Series: An individual inherits two allelomorphs for each gene—one from each parent. These can be identical (homozygous) or different (heterozygous).
• Interaction: The expressed trait (phenotype) depends on the interaction between the two inherited allelomorphs (e.g., dominant vs. recessive).

Examples

• The gene for flower color may have one allelomorph for purple petals and another for white petals.
• In Mendel's experiments, the allelomorph for tall pea plants was dominant over the allelomorph for short plants.
• A mutation can create a new allelomorph of a gene.

Advanced Usage

• "Multiple allelomorphs": Refers to a series of more than two possible allelomorphs for a single gene locus within a population (e.g., the ABO blood group system in humans has three major allelomorphs: A, B, and O).

Variants and Related Words

• Allele (n.): The modern, more frequently used shortened form of "allelomorph." (Example: )
• Allelic (adj.): Pertaining to alleles. (Example: )
• Allelic Series (n.): The set of all known alleles for a specific gene.

Synonyms

• Gene variant
• Genetic variant

Different Meanings

• This word has a single, specific meaning in the field of genetics. It does not have common non-scientific meanings.

Notes on Phrasal Verbs and Idioms

• "Allelomorph" is a scientific noun and is not used in phrasal verbs or idioms.

Noun

1. (genetics) either of a pair (or series) of alternative forms of a gene that can occupy the same locus on a particular chromosome and that control the same character
   • some alleles are dominant over others