MULTIPLE ALLELE Meaning and
Definition
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A multiple allele refers to a genetic phenomenon in which a specific gene exists in more than two alternative forms, commonly known as alleles, within a population. These distinct alleles of a gene occupy the same locus or position on a chromosome. However, only two alleles are present in the individual's genetic makeup, meaning that each individual can only possess two alleles at a particular gene locus.
Multiple alleles can alter the expression or outcome of a specific characteristic or trait. The phenotype, or observable trait, associated with a gene can differ significantly depending on which alleles are present. As a result, the interactions between multiple alleles may give rise to various phenotypic variations within a population.
The inheritance of multiple alleles follows the same Mendelian principles as other types of genetic inheritance, such as dominance and recessiveness. The dominant alleles, when present, typically express their traits more strongly than recessive ones. In some cases, however, neither allele is completely dominant over the other, resulting in a co-dominance effect where both alleles express their traits independently.
Multiple alleles play a crucial role in genetic diversity within a population. They contribute to the wide range of physical and behavioral traits observed in both plants and animals. Understanding the interactions and effects of multiple alleles is essential for comprehending the complexities of genetic inheritance and the variability of characteristics within a species.
Common Misspellings for MULTIPLE ALLELE
- nultiple allele
- kultiple allele
- jultiple allele
- myltiple allele
- mhltiple allele
- mjltiple allele
- miltiple allele
- m8ltiple allele
- m7ltiple allele
- muktiple allele
- muptiple allele
- muotiple allele
- mulriple allele
- mulfiple allele
- mulgiple allele
- mulyiple allele
- mul6iple allele
- mul5iple allele
- multuple allele
- multjple allele
Etymology of MULTIPLE ALLELE
The term "multiple allele" is a combination of two words: "multiple" and "allele".
1. Multiple: The word "multiple" comes from the Latin word "multiplex", which means "many" or "numerous". It entered the English language in the early 17th century.
2. Allele: The word "allele" was coined by the Danish geneticist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1900. It originated from the Greek words "allelon", meaning "of one another", and "allel", meaning "each other".
When combined, "multiple allele" refers to a situation in genetics where a gene has more than two possible alleles or variants. The term is commonly used to describe the presence of multiple alternative forms of a gene at a specific locus on a chromosome.
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