Allele
Definition
An allele is a specific form of a gene that can have different variations, which contribute to the genetic diversity among individuals. Each allele represents a slight change in the DNA sequence of a particular gene and can influence physical traits such as eye color, height, or blood type.
Example
Imagine two parents: one has an allele for brown eyes (B) and the other has an allele for blue eyes (b). When they have a child, the child receives one allele from each parent. If the child inherits the B allele from one parent and the b allele from the other, the child will have brown eyes because the B allele is dominant over the b allele. This scenario demonstrates how different alleles can combine to produce observable traits.
Why it Matters
Alleles are essential because they contribute to the genetic variation within populations. Without them, every individual would look identical and be genetically the same. Genetic diversity allows for adaptation and evolution, as certain alleles may provide advantages in specific environments. For example, a mutation that leads to a beneficial trait, such as resistance to disease, can spread through a population over time if it offers a survival advantage. Understanding alleles helps explain how traits are inherited and why there is so much variation among living organisms.
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