allozyme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low FrequencyTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “allozyme” mean?
A variant form of an enzyme that arises from a small genetic mutation, detectable by differences in electrophoretic mobility.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A variant form of an enzyme that arises from a small genetic mutation, detectable by differences in electrophoretic mobility.
In population genetics and evolutionary biology, a protein variant encoded by different alleles at a single locus, used as a genetic marker to study genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary relationships.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both regions use the term identically within the scientific community.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Used exclusively in academic and research contexts in both varieties. Extremely rare outside genetics and molecular biology literature.
Grammar
How to Use “allozyme” in a Sentence
N of N (allozyme of lactase dehydrogenase)N analysis revealed...N frequencies were calculated...Variation in N was studied...The N pattern indicated...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “allozyme” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No verb form)
American English
- (No verb form)
adverb
British English
- (No adverb form)
American English
- (No adverb form)
adjective
British English
- The allozyme data were compelling.
- They conducted an allozyme-based survey.
American English
- The allozyme data was compelling.
- They performed an allozyme-based survey.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
(Not used)
Academic
Used in genetics, evolutionary biology, and molecular ecology research papers to describe and analyse genetic variation within and between populations.
Everyday
(Not used)
Technical
Core term in population genetics laboratories for techniques like starch gel electrophoresis to genotype individuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “allozyme”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “allozyme”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “allozyme”
- Misspelling as 'alozyme' or 'allozine'.
- Confusing with 'isozyme/isoenzyme'.
- Using as a general term for any enzyme.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An allozyme is a variant of an enzyme produced by different alleles of the same gene. An isozyme (isoenzyme) performs the same function but is produced by different genes, often located at different loci.
It is primarily used in population genetics, molecular ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation genetics to measure genetic diversity and structure.
No, it is a highly specialised technical term. You will only encounter it in specific academic texts or research contexts.
The work of R.C. Lewontin and J.L. Hubby in the 1960s, using allozyme electrophoresis in Drosophila, was seminal in revealing extensive genetic variation in natural populations, challenging previous notions.
A variant form of an enzyme that arises from a small genetic mutation, detectable by differences in electrophoretic mobility.
Allozyme is usually technical/scientific in register.
Allozyme: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæləʊzaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæləˌzaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No established idioms for this technical term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ALLOys are different mixtures of metals; ALLOzymes are different mixtures (variants) of the same enzyme.
Conceptual Metaphor
A biochemical 'fingerprint' or 'barcode' for a specific gene version.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary methodological basis for distinguishing allozymes?