Definition

Noun: A genetic marker is a specific, identifiable DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome. It acts as a signpost or landmark that can be used to track the inheritance of a nearby gene, chromosome, or specific trait within families or populations.

Usage

Genetic markers are used as tools in biological research and applications. - They help scientists locate and map the positions of genes associated with specific diseases or traits. - They are used to trace inheritance patterns in family studies (pedigree analysis). - They enable the identification of individuals or the study of genetic diversity within populations.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To map a genetic marker": To determine the specific chromosomal location of a marker.
  • The team's first goal was to map the new genetic marker they had discovered.
• "A polymorphic genetic marker": A marker that exists in multiple common forms (alleles) in a population, making it more useful for distinguishing individuals.
  • Short tandem repeats (STRs) are highly polymorphic genetic markers used in DNA fingerprinting.

Variants and Related Words

• Marker (noun): In genetics, this is often used as a shortened, informal form of "genetic marker."
  • They identified several new markers linked to the trait.
• DNA marker (noun): A synonym often used interchangeably with "genetic marker."
• Sequence-tagged site (STS) (noun): A specific type of genetic marker defined by a unique DNA sequence.

Synonyms

• DNA marker
• Molecular marker
• Genetic locus (This refers more generally to the location, which is often identified by a marker).

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Linkage analysis: A method that uses genetic markers to find the approximate chromosomal location of a disease-causing gene.
  • Linkage analysis using hundreds of genetic markers narrowed the search for the gene.
• Marker-assisted selection: The use of genetic markers in plant and animal breeding to select for desirable traits.
  • Farmers use marker-assisted selection to develop crops with higher yield.

Noun

1. a specific gene that produces a recognizable trait and can be used in family or population studies