Phenomena and Processes

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.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

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.

MeSH Record

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See Also

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Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Effect, Founder
  • Effects, Founder
  • Founder Effects

MeSH Record

History Note

95

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

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

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. G05.285w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Founder Effect. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D018703. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D018703
  2. Founder Effect. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Founder_effect
  3. Founder Effect. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q504568