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Allele

//ˈæl.iːl// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    One of a number of alternative forms of the same gene occupying a given position, or locus, on a chromosome.

    "Genes are competing directly with their alleles for survival, since their alleles in the gene pool are rivals for their slot on the chromosomes of future generations. Any gene that behaves in such a way as to increase its own survival chances in the gene pool at the expense of its alleles will, by definition, tautologously, tend to survive."

  2. 2
    (genetics) either of a pair (or series) of alternative forms of a gene that can occupy the same locus on a particular chromosome and that control the same character wordnet

Etymology

Borrowed from German Allel, shortened from Allelomorph, from English allelomorph. Ultimately from the Ancient Greek ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn) from ἄλλος (állos, “other”).

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