Allele

Pronunciation
/AL-el/
Category
Genetics
Singular
Allele
Plural
Alleles

Definition

One of two or more alternative versions of a gene that occupies the same locus (position) on a chromosome.

Etymology

From Greek 'allelon', meaning 'mutual, of one another'.

Example

An individual may possess two alleles for a particular gene, one inherited from each parent.

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