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== Gene map ==

A '''gene map''' (pronounced: /dʒiːn mæp/) is a chart that illustrates the arrangement of genes along a [[chromosome]]. Gene maps are used in a variety of biological studies, including research into genetic diseases and the development of new drugs.

=== Etymology ===

The term "gene map" is derived from the English words "gene", which comes from the Greek word "genos" meaning race or kind, and "map", which comes from the Latin word "mappa" meaning cloth or chart.

=== Definition ===

A gene map is a type of [[genetic map]] that shows the relative positions of genes on a chromosome. The distances between genes are usually measured in [[centimorgans]] (cM), a unit of measure that describes the frequency at which two chromosome loci are separated during meiosis.

=== Types of Gene Maps ===

There are three main types of gene maps:

# '''Linkage maps''' show the relative positions of genes based on how often they are inherited together.
# '''Physical maps''' show the physical distances between genes or other DNA markers.
# '''Sequence maps''' are the most detailed type of gene map and show the exact location of every gene on a chromosome.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Genome]]: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
* [[Genetic linkage]]: The tendency of DNA sequences that are close together on a chromosome to be inherited together.
* [[Genetic marker]]: A gene or DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome that can be used to identify individuals or species.
* [[Meiosis]]: A type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in the parent cell by half and produces four gamete cells.

[[Category:Genetics]]
[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Medical Dictionary]]

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