Allele

Pronunciation: /əˈliːl/

Definitions of allele

noun one of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome

Example Sentences

A1 An allele is a variant form of a gene.

A2 In genetics, alleles are different versions of the same gene.

B1 The presence of a dominant allele can mask the presence of a recessive allele.

B2 Genetic disorders can be caused by mutations in specific alleles.

C1 Understanding the interactions between alleles is crucial in predicting genetic outcomes.

C2 Researchers are studying the effects of multiple alleles on complex genetic traits.

Examples of allele in a Sentence

formal The presence of a specific allele can determine an individual's eye color.

informal Some people have the blue eye allele, but others have the brown eye allele.

slang I got the tall allele from my dad, so I'm hoping to hit 6 feet soon.

figurative In the genetic lottery, I feel like I got stuck with all the recessive alleles.

Grammatical Forms of allele

• plural: alleles
• comparative: more allele
• superlative: most allele
• present tense: allele
• future tense: will allele
• perfect tense: has alleled
• continuous tense: is alleling
• singular: allele
• positive degree: allele
• infinitive: to allele
• gerund: alleling
• participle: alleled

Origin and Evolution of allele

First Known Use: 1902 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'allele' originated from the combination of the Greek prefix 'allelo-', meaning 'one another', and the suffix '-le', indicating a small thing or part.

Evolution of the word: The term 'allele' was first introduced by Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1902 to describe alternative forms of a gene that can occupy the same locus on a chromosome. Over time, the concept of alleles has become central to the study of genetics and evolution, leading to advancements in understanding inheritance and variation in living organisms.