Lethal gene

Lethal gene is a gene that has the potential to cause the death of an organism. These genes are usually a result of mutations and can be present in both dominant and recessive forms. Lethal genes can be classified into different types based on their effects on the organism, such as conditional lethal genes, semi-lethal genes, and temperature-sensitive lethal genes.

Overview

A lethal gene is a gene that, when present in certain environments or in combination with other genes, can lead to the death of the organism. These genes can be present in the genome of an organism and can be passed on to the next generation. The effects of lethal genes can vary greatly, from causing death in the early stages of development to causing death in adulthood.

Types of Lethal Genes

Conditional Lethal Genes

Conditional lethal genes are genes that cause death only under certain conditions. For example, a gene might be lethal in a certain temperature range but not in others.

Semi-Lethal Genes

Semi-lethal genes are genes that cause death in some individuals but not in others. This can be due to differences in the genetic makeup of the individuals or differences in their environment.

Temperature-Sensitive Lethal Genes

Temperature-sensitive lethal genes are a type of conditional lethal gene that cause death at certain temperatures. These genes can be used in research to study the effects of temperature on gene expression.

Effects of Lethal Genes

The effects of lethal genes can vary greatly depending on the type of gene and the conditions in which it is present. Some lethal genes cause death in the early stages of development, while others cause death in adulthood. Some lethal genes can also cause diseases or disorders that can lead to death.

See Also

• Genetics
• Mutation
• Gene expression
• Genome