Allelomorph

/əˈlɛləmɔrf/ noun

Definition

An older scientific term for an allele, one of two or more alternative forms of a gene.

Etymology

From Greek 'allos' (other) and 'morphe' (form). This term was used in early genetics (1900s-1920s) before 'allele' became the standard terminology.

Kelly Says

Allelomorph is basically a fancy old-fashioned way of saying 'allele'—scientists used it when Mendelian genetics was being rediscovered! It's a beautiful example of how scientific terminology evolves and gets simplified.

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