What is an allele? | Animation | Minute to Understanding

Summary

This video explains alleles, which are gene variations inherited from our biological parents. Each person has two copies of every gene, and these can be identical or have slight differences. Alleles influence not only physical traits like eye and hair color but also health factors such as disease risk, reactions to medications, and allergies. The way alleles interact—whether dominant or recessive—affects observable traits and contributes to our genetic makeup, known as genotype. This genetic combination shapes both our appearance and everyday life.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Alleles are matching genes, one inherited from the biological mother and the other from the biological father.
• 👥 We have two copies of every gene, which are strings of code that drive biological functions on our chromosomes.
• 🔍 Alleles can be identical, but they often have slight differences that result in various forms of a particular gene.
• 🎨 The way alleles interact with each other can result in different observable traits, such as eye or hair color.
• 💡 Dominant alleles can override recessive alleles, determining characteristics like brown eyes (dominant) over blue eyes (recessive).
• 🧠 Alleles don't just influence physical traits; they also affect the risk of developing certain diseases and how we react to medications.
• 🌿 Genetic makeup, also known as genotype, is determined by the specific combination of alleles in our DNA.
• 💊 Allele variations can influence whether someone develops allergies or how their body responds to environmental factors.
• 🔄 The similarities and differences between alleles create a complex genetic tapestry that impacts how we look and live daily.
• 🧩 Understanding dominant and recessive alleles helps explain genetic inheritance and the diversity of traits within individuals.

Q & A

What is an allele?

An allele is a variant form of a gene. We inherit one allele from our biological mother and one from our biological father for each gene.

How many copies of each gene do humans have?

Humans have two copies of each gene, one inherited from their biological mother and one from their biological father.

Can alleles be identical?

Yes, alleles can be identical, but they often have slight differences, which result in variations in traits.

What is the significance of allele variations?

Allele variations are important because they can influence observable traits, biological functions, and even susceptibility to diseases.

How do dominant and recessive alleles interact?

A dominant allele can override the effects of a recessive allele. This interaction can determine traits such as eye color, where a dominant brown eye allele overrides a recessive blue eye allele.

What role do alleles play in determining physical traits?

Alleles determine physical traits like eye and hair color through the interaction between dominant and recessive alleles.

Do alleles affect more than just physical traits?

Yes, alleles also influence risks for developing diseases, reactions to medications, and even allergies.

What is a genotype?

A genotype is a person's complete genetic makeup, which is determined by the combination of alleles in their DNA.

How do alleles impact day-to-day living?

Alleles help determine various aspects of our lives, from how we look to how our bodies function, including health risks and biological responses.

Can allele variations influence disease risk?

Yes, certain allele variations can increase or decrease the risk of developing specific diseases.