Understanding the Role of Alleles in Genetic Diversity and Trait Variation

Alleles

Alleles are variations of a gene that code for specific traits or characteristics

Alleles are variations of a gene that code for specific traits or characteristics. They are alternative forms of the same gene that occupy the same loci (position) on homologous chromosomes. In other words, alleles are different versions of a gene that may lead to different observable traits.

Each individual inherits two copies of each gene, one from each parent. These copies may be the same allele or different alleles. They can be either dominant or recessive. Dominant alleles are expressed or observed as traits, even if only one copy of the dominant allele is present. On the other hand, recessive alleles are not expressed unless an individual has two copies of the recessive allele.

For example, let’s consider a gene that determines eye color. There may be different alleles for this gene, such as a brown allele and a blue allele. If an individual inherits a dominant brown allele from one parent and a recessive blue allele from the other parent, the individual will have brown eyes because the brown allele is dominant. However, if an individual inherits two recessive blue alleles, they will have blue eyes as the absence of a dominant brown allele allows the expression of the recessive blue allele.

Alleles allow for genetic diversity and contribute to the great variety of traits observed within a species. Their interactions and combinations give rise to the wide range of genetic characteristics we see in the natural world.

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