unit character

noun

Genetics.

1. a characteristic, usually controlled by a single gene, that is transmitted as a unit in heredity.

unit character

noun

1. genetics a character inherited as a single unit and dependent on a single gene

Word History and Origins

Origin of unit character¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Other decals boasted unit character through their fearsome, comical or fanciful logos: thunderbirds, doves, seahorses, wolves, warthogs, lions, tigers, bears, cobras, elephants, alligators, sharks.

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In the persistence of the stage villain through all forms and periods, we might even discover one of Mendel's unit characters.

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In a few cases it is known that immunity or insusceptibility to specific forms of infection is a unit character which follows Mendelian laws in heredity.

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The reckless use of the phrase "unit character" has done much to mislead the uninitiated as to the effects that a single change in the germ plasm may produce on the organism.

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The patriotic frame of mind has been spoken of above as if it were an hereditary trait, something after the fashion of a Mendelian unit character.

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