Allelic Exclusion

Allelic exclusion is a process by which only one allele of a gene is expressed while the other allele is silenced. For most genes, the individual inherits one copy of each gene from each parent.

At least two distinct selection events can lead to allelic exclusion. On one hand, one allele of the gene can be transcriptionally silent, which would result in the expression of only the second allele. On the other hand, both alleles can be transcribed, in which case posttrancriptional and posttranslational mechanisms will lead to the elimination of the protein product of one allele.

Though the mechanism by which allelic exclusion occurs is not fully understood.

Read more about Allelic Exclusion:  Allelic Exclusion in B-Lymphocytes, Allelic Exclusion in Sensory Neurons

Famous quotes containing the word exclusion:

    We belong to the community. It is not the tailor alone who is the ninth part of a man; it is as much the preacher, and the merchant, and the farmer. Where is this division of labor to end? and what object does it finally serve? No doubt another may also think for me; but it is not therefore desirable that he should do so to the exclusion of my thinking for myself.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)