Search Ontology:
GO: Biological Process
phenotypic switching
- Term ID
- GO:0036166
- Synonyms
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- 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
- has parts
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- is a type of
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- has subtype
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- negatively regulated by
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- positively regulated by
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- regulated by
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Phenotype
Phenotype caused by Genes