chimera

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chimera (chimaera) A tissue containing two or more genetically distinct cell types, or an individual composed of such tissues. It arises as a result either of:(a) mutation or abnormal distribution of chromosomes, affecting a particular cell during development and hence all its descendants; or(b) in the case of plants, by the artificial grafting together of two individuals with different genotypes, to produce a mixing of characters. It is also referred to as a mosaic.

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