genetic load
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ge·net·ic load
the aggregate of more or less harmful genes that are carried, mostly hidden, in the genome that may be transmitted to descendants and cause morbidity and disease; in classic genetic dynamics, genetic load may be seen as undischarged genetic debts that result from previous mutations, each of which is supposed to exact an average number of lethal equivalents dependent only on the pattern of inheritance, regardless of how mild or severe the phenotype may be.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
genetic load
n.
1. The relative difference between the theoretically most fit genotype within a population and the average genotype.
2. The aggregate of deleterious genes that are carried, mostly hidden, in the genomes of a population and may be transmitted to descendants.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
ge·net·ic load
(jĕ-net'ik lōd)The aggregate of more or less harmful genes that are carried, mostly hidden, in the genome and may be transmitted to descendants and cause disease.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
genetic load
The totality of abnormalities caused in each generation by defective genetic material carried in the human gene pool.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
genetic load
a measurement of the amount of deleterious genes in a population, calculated as the average number of lethal equivalents per individual.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005