noun
(genetics) one of two principles of heredity formulated by Gregor Mendel on the basis of his experiments with plants; the principles were limited and modified by subsequent genetic research
• Topics: ↑genetics, ↑genetic science
• Hypernyms: ↑law, ↑law of nature
• Hyponyms: ↑law of segregation, ↑law of independent assortment
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\\ˈmendəlz-\ nounUsage: usually capitalized M
Etymology: after Gregor J. Mendel, its formulator
1. : a principle in genetics: paired hereditary units representing alternate characters (as tallness or dwarfness) separate during the formation of gametes so that every gamete receives but one member of a pair — called also law of segregation
2. : a principle in genetics limited and modified as a result of the subsequent discovery of the phenomenon of linkage: the corresponding hereditary units in a pair of gametes unite in the zygote to form new combinations and recombinations according to the laws of chance — called also law of independent assortment
3. : a principle in genetics proved subsequently to be subject to many limitations: because one of each pair of hereditary units dominates the other in expression, characters are inherited alternatively on an all or nothing basis — called also law of dominance; compare blending inheritance
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Genetics.
1. See law of segregation.
2. See law of independent assortment.
[1900-05]
Useful english dictionary. 2012.