Allele Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งฌ
allele
[ษหliหl ]
Definition
genetics
An allele is a variant form of a gene that is located at a specific position on a specific chromosome. Alleles can result in different traits or characteristics, such as eye color or hair texture. In diploid organisms, which have two sets of chromosomes, an individual may have up to two alleles for a given geneโone inherited from each parent. Alleles can be dominant or recessive; the expression of a trait depends on the combination of these alleles present in the organism.
Synonyms
gene type, gene variant.
Examples of usage
- The allele for brown eyes is dominant over the allele for blue eyes.
- Studying alleles helps us understand genetic diversity.
- An individual can be homozygous or heterozygous for a particular allele.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Alleles can be dominant or recessive; dominant alleles show their traits even when only one copy is present.
- Humans have two alleles for each gene, one inherited from each parent, which can create various traits.
- Mutations in alleles can lead to new traits or disorders, making genetic diversity essential for evolution.
Genetics
- The concept of alleles is central to the study of Mendelian inheritance, described by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century.
- Different combinations of alleles can lead to unique characteristics, such as blood types and skin color.
- Genetic testing can identify alleles related to certain diseases, which can guide medical decisions.
Pop Culture
- The popular game 'Spore' allows players to create creatures with various traits based on simple genetic principles including alleles.
- TV shows like 'CSI' often reference genetic markers, which include understanding alleles for forensic analysis.
- Books like 'The Gene' by Siddhartha Mukherjee discuss the impact of genetics and alleles on human evolution and health.
Psychology
- Research indicates that many human behaviors, such as aggression or anxiety, can be influenced by specific alleles.
- Studies on twins show that inherited alleles can significantly affect personality traits.
- Some scientists believe that understanding alleles can eventually lead to insights into mental health disorders.
Origin of 'allele'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'allele' comes from the Greek word 'allelon' which means 'of one another'.
- It was first used in the early 20th century as scientists started to understand how traits are inherited.
- In the 1940s, the term became popular with the rise of genetic studies.
The term 'allele' was first used in the early 20th century, deriving from the Greek word 'allelos', which means 'of each other' or 'one another'. This was in reference to the alternative forms of a gene that can reside at the same locus on homologous chromosomes. The study of alleles became a significant aspect of genetics, particularly after Gregor Mendel's experiments in the 19th century with pea plants, which laid the groundwork for our understanding of inheritance. The concept has evolved significantly since then, especially with advancements in molecular biology and genomics, allowing scientists to explore the complexities of alleles in greater detail.