Definition
noun, plural: carriers
(general)
A person or object that transports or conveys.
(immunology)
An asymptomatic person or animal harboring the pathogen, and acts as a vector transmitting the pathogen to others.
(genetics)
(1) A heterozygous individual bearing an unexpressed defective gene.
(2) An organism possessing a recessive gene for a trait, hence, not expressing the trait.
(chemistry)
A catalytic substance that serves as a vehicle for an element or group of atoms from one compound to another.
Supplement
(genetics) A genetic carrier pertains to an organism carrying an unexpressed defective gene for a recessive trait but when mated with another carrier can produce a homozygous offspring that expresses the recessive trait.
Word origin: to carry + –er.
Related terms:
- lactose carrier protein
- electron carriers
