QTL (quantitative trait locus)

[kyoo-tee-el / ˈkwɒntɪtətɪv treɪt ˈloʊkəs]
nounmasculinepl: QTLs (quantitative trait loci)
loco de característica quantitativa
1. A chromosomal region or segment that contains one or more genes controlling a quantitative (continuous) trait, identified through genetic mapping and statistical analysis
The researchers identified a QTL on chromosome 3 that controls grain yield in wheat.
Os pesquisadores identificaram um QTL no cromossomo 3 que controla a produtividade de grãos no trigo.
2. A genomic location associated with variation in a complex trait that shows continuous phenotypic distribution rather than discrete categories
Multiple QTLs contribute to human height, each with small additive effects.
Múltiplos QTLs contribuem para a altura humana, cada um com pequenos efeitos aditivos.
QTL is a specialized term primarily used in genetics, plant breeding, and quantitative biology research. It is fundamental to modern genomics and agricultural improvement programs in both Brazil and Portugal. The term is typically not translated in scientific publications, as 'QTL' serves as the universal abbreviation in the scientific community. Brazilian agricultural research, particularly in crops like sugarcane, corn, and soybeans, frequently employs QTL analysis. In the USA, QTL studies are central to crop improvement and understanding complex disease genetics.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
quantitative trait regionQTL regiontrait locuspolygenic locus
Antonyms / Antônimos
monogenic locussingle gene locus

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
loco de característica quantitativa / QTL
Standard term used in Brazilian universities and research institutions; often abbreviated as QTL
São Paulo
loco de traço quantitativo
Variant used in agricultural genetics research in São Paulo state
Portugal
loco de característica quantitativa / loco de traço quantitativo
Used in Portuguese genetic research; may also use the English abbreviation QTL
General English-speaking scientific community
QTL (abbreviation predominantly used)
The full term is rarely used; QTL is standard in scientific literature

Related Words

quantitative geneticsgenome-wide association study (GWAS)marker-assisted selectionlinkage mappingquantitative traitcomplex traitpolygenic inheritanceheritability

Related Idioms & Phrases

QTL mapping - the process of identifying and locating QTLs
major QTL - a QTL with large phenotypic effect
minor QTL - a QTL with small phenotypic effect
pleiotrophic QTL - a QTL affecting multiple traits
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