Allele: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

With rank #15,415, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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