penetrance
/ˈpɛnɪtrəns/
noun
- The frequency or likelihood with which a genetic trait or condition is expressed in individuals who carry the associated gene.
- Scientists studied the penetrance of the gene to understand why some people show symptoms and others do not.
- Low penetrance can make it difficult to predict whether a person will actually develop a genetic disorder.
- The penetrance of the BRCA1 mutation is high, meaning most carriers develop breast cancer.