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Genetics & Biotechnology vocabulary · DNA, Genes and Chromosomes

Locus

Meaning in genetics & biotechnology, with examples

/ˈloʊkəs/nounCommon term

In genetics & biotechnology, locus means: A specific position on a chromosome where a particular gene or DNA sequence is found. The plural is loci.

In Turkish: lokus, gen yeri, gen bölgesi

How it is used

Used in genetics papers, GWAS and genome browsers. Researchers map a locus, identify risk loci and talk about the 'HLA locus'. A GWAS may report 'a new locus on chromosome 9'. The plural 'loci' is pronounced 'LOH-sigh' or 'LOH-kee'.

Example sentences

  1. The study identified a new locus associated with type 2 diabetes.

  2. This locus contains three genes, so we don't know yet which one is responsible.

Common collocations

  • risk locus
  • genetic locus
  • map a locus
  • HLA locus
  • susceptibility locus
  • geneA section of DNA that carries the instructions for making a protein or a functional RNA molecule; it is the basic unit of heredity passed from parents to children.
  • chromosomeA long, tightly packed structure of DNA and proteins inside the cell nucleus. Humans normally have 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs.
  • alleleOne of the different versions of a gene that can exist at the same position on a chromosome. You inherit one allele of each gene from each parent.
  • GWASGenome-wide association study: a study that tests hundreds of thousands of genetic variants in many people to find which ones are more common in those with a particular trait or disease.

More terms: DNA, Genes and Chromosomes

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