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A gene is a part of the DNA. Alleles on the other hand refer to different versions of the same gene. There are other more subtle differences between the two and this is what we are going to explore on this page:
- Genes are the different parts of the DNA that decide the genetic traits a person is going to have. Alleles are the different sequences on the DNA-they determine a single characteristic in an individual.
- Another important difference between the two is that alleles occur in pairs. They are also differentiated into recessive and dominant categories. Genes do not have any such differentiation.
- An interesting difference between alleles and genes is that alleles produce opposite phenotypes that are contrasting by nature. When the two partners of a gene are homogeneous in nature, they are called homozygous. However, if the pair consists of different alleles, they are called heterozygous. In heterozygous alleles, the dominant allele gains an expression.
- The dominance of a gene is determined by whether the AA and Aa are alike phenotypically. It is easier to find dominants because they express themselves better when they are paired with either allele.
- Alleles are basically different types of the same gene. Let's explain this to you in this way- If your eye color was decided by a single gene, the color blue would be carried by one allele and the color green by another. Fascinating, isn't it?
- All of us inherit a pair of genes from each of our parents. These genes are exactly the same for each other. So what causes the differences between individuals? It is the result of the alleles.
- The difference between the two becomes more pronounced in the case of traits. A trait refers to what you see, so it is the physical expression of the genes themselves. Alleles determine the different versions of the genes that we see. A gene is like a machine that has been put together. However, how it will works will depend on the alleles.
Both alleles and genes play an all important role in the development of living forms. The difference is most colorfully manifest in humans of course! So next time you see the variety of hair color and eye color around you, take a moment and admire the phenomenal power of both the gene and the allele!
Summary:
1. Genes are something we inherit from our parents- alleles determine how they are expressed in an individual.
2. Alleles occur in pairs but there is no such pairing for genes.
3. A pair of alleles produces opposing phenotypes. No such generalization can be assigned to genes.
4. Alleles determine the traits we inherit.
5. The genes we inherit are the same for all humans. However, how these manifest themselves is actually determined by alleles!
What else can I help you with?
What is the difference between an allele and a genotype in genetics?
An allele is a specific version of a gene, while a genotype refers to the combination of alleles that an individual has for a particular gene. In simpler terms, an allele is like a variation of a gene, and a genotype is the specific genetic makeup of an individual for that gene.
Is allele a gene?
yes an allele is a gene
What is the difference between an allele and a genotype?
An allele is a specific version of a gene, while a genotype refers to the combination of alleles that an individual has for a particular trait. In simpler terms, an allele is like a variation of a gene, and a genotype is the specific genetic makeup of an individual.
What is the alternate form of a gene?
The answer is allele
What is a different between allele and gene?
an allele is a gene that is the cause of hereditary variation
What is member of a gene pair that determines a specific trait is?
an allele
Is an allele larger than a gene?
An allele is a gene. It is one form of a gene. For example, height in pea plants is controlled by one gene with two forms. A pea plant can be tall or short. There is a short allele and a tall allele for the gene governing height.
What is the difference between an allele and a SNP?
An allele is a specific form of a gene, while a SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) is a variation in a single nucleotide within a gene. In other words, alleles are different versions of a gene, while SNPs are specific points of genetic variation within a gene.
What is a type of gene?
Do you mean allele? An allele is a different molecular form of the same gene.
What is the difference between epistasis and dominance in genetic inheritance?
Epistasis occurs when one gene masks the expression of another gene, while dominance is when one allele of a gene is expressed over another allele. In epistasis, the interaction between genes affects the phenotype, while in dominance, one allele is dominant and determines the phenotype.
Each gene of a gene pair is an?
allele
Difference between a gene and an allele?
The alleles are the different forms of the gene. This is simplified, but an example might be, if the gene is "eye color," the alleles would be "green, blue, brown, etc." The variations in the gene are the alleles.
