Definition of Penetrant trait
Penetrant trait: A genetic trait (characteristic) that is present in the genome and manifests itself in the individual. By contrast, a nonpenetrant trait is one that, although present, does not manifest itself.
If, for example, 100 people have a particular genetic trait but only 80 of them express it, the penetrance of that trait is 80%. The trait is penetrant and expresses itself in 80% of people who have it.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11708
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
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