National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health | www.cancer.gov
In English | En español
NCI Home
Cancer Topics
Clinical Trials
Cancer Statistics
Research & Funding
News
About NCI
Dictionary of Cancer Terms
In English   En español
Page Options
Print This Page
More NCI Dictionaries
NCI Drug Dictionary

Glossary of Statistical Terms

NCI Dictionary of Genetics Terms

Terminology Resources
Quit Smoking Today
Search for
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
In English   En español

polymorphism (PAH-lee-MOR-fih-zum)

 A common change in the genetic code in DNA. Polymorphisms can have a harmful effect, a good effect, or no effect. Some polymorphisms have been shown to increase the risk of certain types of cancer.



Previous Definitions:polycythemia vera, polyethylene glycosylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor, polyglutamate camptothecin, polymer, polymerase chain reaction
Next Definitions:polymorphonuclear leukocyte, polymyositis, polyneuritis, polyp, polypectomy

A Service of the National Cancer Institute
Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health USA.gov