Allele
Individual letters that represent genes
An allele is a variant form of a gene that is present at a specific location, known as a locus, on a chromosome. In other words, alleles are different versions of the same gene located in the same place on a chromosome. Alleles arise due to mutations, which are permanent changes in the DNA sequence. Alleles can be dominant or recessive, meaning that one version of the gene may be expressed over the other in determining a particular trait. For example, the gene for flower color in pea plants has two possible alleles: one for purple flowers and one for white flowers. If an individual inherits two purple flower alleles, it will have purple flowers; if it inherits one purple allele and one white allele, it will still have purple flowers because the purple allele is dominant. However, if an individual inherits two white flower alleles, it will have white flowers because the white allele is recessive. The study of alleles and their inheritance is known as genetics.
More Answers:
Genotype: The Blueprint of an Organism’s Traits and SurvivalRecessive Alleles and Their Role in Genetics and Inheritance.
Dominant Alleles: How They Impact Genetic Traits and Characteristics