Search Ontology:
GO: Biological Process

phenotypic switching

Term ID
GO:0036166
Synonyms
  • phenotypic dimorphism
Definition
A reversible switch of a cell from one cell type or form to another, at a frequency above the expected frequency for somatic mutations. Phenotypic switching involves changes in cell morphology and altered gene expression patterns. For example, Candida albicans switches from white cells to opaque cells for sexual mating. Phenotypic switching also occurs in multicellular organisms; smooth muscle cells (SMCs) exhibit phenotypic transitions to allow rapid adaption to fluctuating environmental cues. (4)
References
Ontology
GO: Biological Process    QuickGO    AmiGO
Relationships
has parts
is a type of
has subtype
negatively regulated by
positively regulated by
regulated by
Phenotype
Phenotype caused by Genes