Definition of Nonpenetrant trait
Nonpenetrant trait: A genetic trait (characteristic) that is present in the genome but does not manifest itself in the individual. By contrast, a penetrant trait is one that manifests itself.
If, for example, if 100 people have a particular genetic trait but only 80 of them express it, the penetrance of that trait is 80%. The trait is nonpenetrant in 20% of people who have it.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11707
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
Drug Medical Dictionary of Terms by Letter
Medical Dictionary Term:
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
Updated & New
