Chimera

Chimera is a term with multiple senses in mythology, biology, and zoology. In Greek mythology, the Chimera is a fire-breathing monster from Lycia, typically depicted as a hybrid with a lion’s head, a goat’s body rising from its back, and a serpent for a tail. It represents a fearsome, fantastical composite and was famously slain by the hero Bellerophon with the aid of Pegasus.

In modern science, a chimera refers to an organism containing cells with more than one genotype. This can arise when two embryos fuse during development or when tissue from a donor, such as through organ or bone marrow transplantation, contributes genetically distinct cells to the recipient. Chimerism is distinct from mosaicism, where genetic variation originates within a single zygote rather than from a mixture of zygotes.

In botany, a chimera is a plant that carries two or more genetically distinct tissues. These plant chimeras can occur naturally or be produced through tissue culture and grafting, often resulting in variegated leaves or flowers. Such chimeras are studied and valued in horticulture for color and pattern variation.

In zoology, Chimaera (often spelled Chimaera) is a genus of cartilaginous fishes known as ghost sharks or ratfishes, in the order Chimaeriformes. They inhabit deep oceans and possess features that distinguish them from true sharks, including a protrusible jaw and long, slender tails. The genus represents an ancient lineage related to sharks and rays.