Allele
/əˈliːl/noun
A version of a gene that is found at a specific position on a chromosome.
Each parent contributes one allele for each gene to their offspring.
Often appears as...
- dominant allele
- recessive allele
Usage tips
Neutral
dominant allele, recessive allele, gene locus
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Context
In genetics, alleles play a critical role in determining traits.
'The white flower's trait is an example of a recessive allele.'
Pro Tip 2/3Formal Usage
When speaking formally about genetics, use 'alleles' to refer to gene forms.
'Researchers identified the alleles responsible for color variation.'
Pro Tip 3/3Gene Expression
Understanding how dominant or recessive alleles express traits can enrich comprehension of heredity.
'A dominant allele will overshadow the effect of a recessive allele.'
Compare with
genechromosomedominatrixhomozygosityphenotypic
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