Briefly describe the following:

Polymorphism

Polymorphism:

Polymorphism is variation at genetic level that arises due to mutations. New mutations may arise in an individual either in somatic cells or in the germ cells. The germ cell mutation can be transferred from parents to offsprings. Polymorphism in DNA sequence is the basis of genetic mapping of human genome as well as of DNA fingerprinting. If an inheritable mutation is observed in a population at high frequency, it is referred to as DNA polymorphism. There is a variety of different types of polymorphisms ranging from single nucleotide change to very large scale changes.