Allelic

/əˈlɛlɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or describing alleles, the different forms of genes.

Etymology

From 'allele' plus the suffix '-ic' meaning 'relating to'. Formed following standard English adjective-formation patterns in scientific terminology during the 20th century.

Kelly Says

When geneticists talk about 'allelic variation,' they're describing the diversity of life at the molecular level—the reason you don't look exactly like your siblings even though you share parents! This tiny genetic variation is the raw material for evolution.

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