allele

Definition

An allele is one of two or more versions of a gene that determine the variations in the traits that a genetic sequence can express. Each individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent, which influence the individual's characteristics.

Analogy

Think of alleles like different flavors of ice cream at a shop; while they all share the base ingredient (milk), the flavoring (allele) determines whether it's chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. Just as you'd choose two scoops to make a sundae, your body has two alleles for each gene determining your genetic traits.

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