Reviewed by: Mary Anne Clark, PhD
Definition
noun, plural: variations
A difference or deviation (e.g. in structure, form, function) from the recognized norm or standard
(genetics) Genetic differences within and among species or a population
(genetics) A variant or a mutant
Supplement
Variation refers to the differences or deviations from the recognized norm or standard. It may be a modification in structure, form or function in an organism, deviating from other organisms of the same species or group.
In genetics, variation refers to an individual that possesses characteristics different from the others of the same kind. Genetic variation usually arises as a mutation in a gene that encodes a protein or an RNA. Variations may be reflected in the phenotype of the individual, e.g. a difference in size, color or pattern, or may be detectable only by DNA or protein sequencing. A given variant may be the result of changes in a single gene, or the consequence of interactions among multiple genes. Populations of the same species living in different parts of the world may be characterized by specific sets of variations.
Variation can, therefore, be measured at the individual level, i.e. differences between individual people in a family or population, or at the population level, i.e. differences between populations living in different regions.
Word origin: Latin variātiōn– (s. of variātiō), equiv. to variāt(us)
See also:
Related term(s):
- Contingent negative variation
- Continuous variation
- Genetic variation
- Individual Variation
- Phase variation
- Somaclonal variation
Explore DNA structure/function, chromosomes, genes, and traits on this vid and find out how this relates to heredity. Credit:
 | GENETICS – CROSSWORD PUZZLE Genetics: the study of the patterns of inheritance of specific traits, relating to genes and genetic information. Print this worksheet to expand the student’s vocabulary on the common concepts and terms used in genetics. Subjects: Genetics & Evolution |
 GENETICS BASIC CONCEPTS – QUIZ (pdf) | GENETICS BASIC CONCEPTS – QUIZ This quiz will help you assess the student’s understanding of the various fundamental concepts and principles in genetics. Subjects: Genetics & Evolution |
