Epitype

Quick meaning: Epitype is a noun meaning (genetics, epigenetics) An epigenetic alteration in a gene.

Meaning

(genetics, epigenetics) An epigenetic alteration in a gene.

More Meanings

1. (taxonomy) An additional, clarifying type (specimen or illustration) of a species or lower-order taxon, provided when the holotype and paratypes from the original classification are demonstrably ambiguous or insufficient.

Example Sentences

The epitype does not displace the primary type it is to interpret, but rather supplements it.

It is clear, therefore, where any epitype, selected as an interpretive type, should be sought. The selection of an epitype, in the absence of type or authentic material, would be important, for any further molecular work will need to have available a culture of the type species of the genus which has some nomenclatural standing, i.e. a culture derived from the epitype.

In cases where a name-bearing type exists but does not show features needed for conclusive identification with a particular species circumscription, for example, one lacking spores, an interpretative type, an epitype, can be designated to supplement information evident in the name-bearing type. Epitypes are increasingly being designated in mycology today for sequenced material where DNA has not or cannot be recovered from the name-bearing type.

Word Forms

• epitypes

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include paratype, epitypification, lectotype, syntype, holotype, hypotype.

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