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Differences between Gene and Allele

Mar

13

2012

Differences between Gene and Allele

In: Biology Asked By: daniel [554 Orange Star Level]
Answer #1

Alleles and gene are terms that are encountered when discussing the topic of DNA. Genes are parts of DNA, but alleles refer to various versions of one gene. Other subtle differences are as follows:

1. Function

Genes are responsible for deciding the genetic characteristics that an individual will have. In contrast, alleles are primarily the sequences on a DNA whose work is to establish one characteristic in a person.

2. Occurrence

The other crucial difference is that the alleles usually occur in a pair. They can also be easily differentiated into dominant and recessive categories. In contrast, genes cannot be differentiated in the same way.

3. Product

Alleles usually produce two opposite phenotypes which are different by nature. Whenever two alleles are homogenous, they are referred to as homozygous. Nevertheless, if the allele pair comprises of different genes, they are known as heterozygous. In the heterozygous allele, a dominant allele will be expressed.

4. Nature

Alleles are essentially various kinds of one gene. This is best explained by this example. if your skin color was determined by one gene, then the color white would be one allele with the other allele carrying the color black. The dominant allele is going to be finally expressed.

5. Effect

Everyone usually inherits genes from both our parents. The importance of genes cannot be overlooked because the help to define person’s characteristics. It is the responsibility of alleles to cause differences between people from one family.

The distinction between these two is more pronounced when dealing with specific traits. A trait is basically what is visible; hence it is regarded as the expression of genes themselves. In this regard, alleles help to decide the various versions of genes. In short, genes are a huge machine built by the body. Nevertheless, how the machine will work depends on alleles.

Answers Answered By: daniel [554 Orange Star Level]
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