Genes are the most basic and functional unit of heredity. In other words, it means that genes make up our DNA structure and are responsible for all the genetic traits that we have. Every human being has two copies of each gene, i.e one from each parent. Usually, these genes are the same for all individuals, but less than 1% of the total difference between individuals and these are responsible for the variations and uniqueness of each individual. These changes or alterations in the genes are called an allele.
Gene vs Allele
A gene essentially is part of the DNA structure and it decides the genetic traits of all individuals. Alleles determine a single characteristic and different variations of the same gene.
The difference between gene and allele are as mentioned below –
Difference Between Gene and Allele
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Gene |
Allele |
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Genes are not found in pairs |
Allele can be found in pairs |
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No inductive reasoning can be made for genes |
A pair of alleles produce opposing phenotypes |
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Genes are passed down from the parents to the children |
Alleles determines the features in in a person |
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Humans share the same genes |
The expression of these genes is decided by the alleles |
Functions of Genes and Alleles
Genes play a vital role as they are responsible for building traits in an organism. They act as instructions for protein synthesis. There are two copies of genes inherited from each parent. These are known as alleles that play an important role in shaping the features of the individuals.
It can be concluded that everyone takes over a pair of genes from their parents, and these genes are identical to each other. Now, each individual is obvious and these changes are the result of alleles.
Chromosomes
Chromosomes are structures which are coiled and made up of DNA and proteins. Chromosomes have their coded genetic instructions with which they make proteins. These instructions are organized into units called genes. Most genes ought to follow the instructions for a single protein. There can be an infinite number of genes on a single chromosome.
Human Genes
Humans have an estimated 20,000 to 22,000 genes. This may sound like a lot, but it really isn’t. Many other simpler species have almost as many genes as the humans have. However, splicing and other processes are used by humans to make multiple proteins from the instructions encoded in a single gene. Only about 25 percent of the nitrogen base pairs of DNA in human chromosomes make up genes and their regulatory elements. Out of this 25 percent, only two percent code for genes. The functions of many of the other base pairs are still unclear.
The majority of human genes have two or more possible versions, called alleles. Differences in alleles have a considerable genetic variation among people. In fact, most human genetic variation is the result of differences in individual DNA base pairs within alleles.
Benefits of referring to for Biology- Gene vs Allele
Students have been learning the concept of genes since Grade 9. This topic falls under the subject matter of Biology for Class 10 and Class 12. In Class 10, students are briefly familiarized with the topic. However, in Grade 12, the topic is explained in detail.
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While explaining the difference between the two terms, Experts at always make sure to include a clear tabular representation for it.
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Often, the students miss out on describing the difference in detail. On the website of , you will clearly differentiate problems that can help you in avoiding vaguely researched and not studied points.
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makes sure to follow a certain order while explaining the topics. For instance, once the students have completed the thorough learning of the definitions and differences, experts then explain the functions of each.
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In addition to explaining the functions, it is important that students mention the differences of the functions for these two. You can find the relevant points on the website.
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Along with the explanations of genes and alleles, the topic of chromosomes is equally important. Without understanding the definition of chromosomes, the concept of genes would be incomplete and complex.
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In conclusion, Experts have specifically added and explained the topic of Human genes. It covers all the details along with some interesting facts to make the learning process earlier.
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In addition to the biological facts, Experts also give some statistically valid points related to genes and alleles. These points help in maintaining curiosity and make the learning process easier.
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Followed by these, the website contains ‘Frequently- asked questions’. Such questions are well-researched and tend to repeat often in the board exams.
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If you encounter any such question for your exams, experts at advise you to keep it to-the-point yet cover all the important definitions and functions of both the genes and alleles.