Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/əˈlɛl/

Definitions

• A variant form of a gene at a particular locus on a chromosome. Different alleles can produce variations in the inherited characteristics.
• One of two or more versions of a gene that arise through mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.

Usage Examples

• "In a diploid organism, alleles for a given trait may be identical or different."
• "A recessive allele can be masked by a dominant allele, affecting the organism's phenotype."
• "The study of alleles is crucial for understanding inheritance patterns in genetics."

Etymology

From the Greek word "allelos," meaning "of one another." The term was first used in the early 20th century to describe different forms of a gene.

Synonyms

• Gene variant
• Genetic variant
• Gene form
• Allelic form

Antonyms

• Wild type
• Normal gene

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "allele" is generally consistent across languages, with some regional differences. For example, in American English, the stress is often placed on the second syllable, while British English may place slightly more emphasis on the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The concept of alleles was first introduced in the early 20th century by scientists studying genetics and inheritance. It has become a fundamental concept in the fields of genetics, evolutionary biology, and medicine.

Cultural Nuances

While alleles are a scientific concept, they have had a significant cultural impact. In some cultures, genetic inheritance is seen as important for identity, while in others, the study of alleles may inform research into medical treatments and disease prevention.

More Information

An allele is a variant form of a gene located at a specific position on a chromosome. Organisms inherit one allele from each parent, and the combination of alleles determines the organism's traits. Alleles can be dominant, recessive, or co-dominant, influencing the expression of specific characteristics. The study of alleles is central to understanding heredity, genetic disorders, and evolutionary processes. Advances in genetic research continue to reveal new insights into how alleles contribute to health, disease, and human variation.