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.

Related terms

Gene:

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein and thus determines a trait.

Homozygous:

A condition where an individual inherits identical alleles for a particular gene from both parents.

Heterozygous:

A condition where an individual inherits different alleles for a particular gene from each parent