Founder Effect

A phenomenon that is observed when a small subgroup of a larger POPULATION establishes itself as a separate and isolated entity. The subgroup's GENE POOL carries only a fraction of the genetic diversity of the parental population resulting in an increased frequency of certain diseases in the subgroup, especially those diseases known to be autosomal recessive.

Year introduced: 1995

PubMed search builder options

Restrict to MeSH Major Topic.

Do not include MeSH terms found below this term in the MeSH hierarchy.

Tree Number(s): G05.285

MeSH Unique ID: D018703

Entry Terms:

• Effect, Founder
• Effects, Founder
• Founder Effects

Previous Indexing:

• Genetics, Population (1969-1983)
• Pedigree (1983-1994)

All MeSH Categories
Phenomena and Processes Category
Genetic Phenomena
Founder Effect