What is the Difference Between Gene and Allele?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Genes and alleles are fundamental concepts in genetics. The main differences between them are:
- Function: Genes are sections of DNA that code for specific proteins or functional RNA, playing a crucial part in biological functions. Alleles, on the other hand, are variations of these genes, leading to diverse traits such as eye color.
- Location: Genes reside at specific loci (locations on a chromosome). Alleles, which are variant forms of genes, also code for the transmission of traits.
- Inheritance: An individual inherits two copies of a gene, one from each parent. These copies, however, are not necessarily the same. When the copies of a gene differ from each other, they are known as alleles.
- Phenotype: Alleles can sometimes result in different phenotypes (observable traits), with certain alleles being dominant (overriding the traits of other alleles) or, in some cases, multiple alleles acting in a codominant fashion.
In summary, genes are DNA sections that code for specific proteins or functional RNA, while alleles are variations of these genes that can lead to diverse traits. Alleles are inherited from both parents, and their interaction can result in different phenotypes.
Comparative Table: Gene vs Allele
Here is a table comparing the differences between genes and alleles:
| Gene | Allele |
|---|---|
| A gene is a section of DNA that encodes for a certain trait or function. | An allele is a variant form of a gene. |
| Genes determine individual traits. | Alleles contribute to the diversity in phenotype expression. |
| An organism's genotype is determined by the unique combination of alleles it inherits from its parents. | An organism's phenotype is determined by the interaction of its genotype with the environment. |
| Genes are found at specific locations in chromosomes. | Alleles are located at the same genomic location or loci. |
| Example: Eye color, hair color, skin pigmentation. | Example: Blue eyes, brown eyes, blonde hair, black hair. |
In summary, genes are sections of DNA that encode for specific traits or functions, while alleles are variant forms of a gene that can lead to differences in phenotype expression. Genes determine individual traits, and alleles contribute to the diversity in phenotype expression.
Read more:
- Allele vs Genotype
- Allele vs Trait
- Allelic vs Non allelic Gene
- Gene vs DNA
- Allele vs Locus
- Gene vs Trait
- Gene vs Protein
- Gene vs Genome
- Gene vs Chromosome
- Dominant vs Recessive Alleles
- Pseudogene vs Gene
- Multiple Alleles vs Lethal Alleles
- Codominance vs Multiple Alleles
- Genotype vs Phenotype
- Multiple Alleles vs Polygenic Traits
- Genetics vs Heredity
- Homozygous vs Heterozygous
- Genome vs Gene Pool
- Gene Mutation vs Chromosome Mutation