What is the relationship between locus, alleles, and genes in chromosomes?

  • Thread starter Motivanka
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Genes
In summary, a gene is located at a specific place on a chromosome called a locus, and each gene contains two alleles. This can be confusing when discussing homologous chromosomes, as each chromosome contains two genes, resulting in a total of four alleles. However, this is because diploid organisms have two sets of chromosomes, with each chromosome containing a similar gene on its homologous counterpart.
  • #1
Motivanka
20
1
So a certain place on chromosome where gene is, it's called locus. And gene contains two allels. So in my book is said that homologous chromosomes contain set of allels and this is what confuses me. So how come is that possible if a single chromosome contains genes and each gene contain two allels. In case of homologous chromosomes it should be 4 allels that is two pairs of allels or two genes because on each chromosome there is a similar gene right ?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
A gene is a set of instructions to create a protein. Diploid organisms like you and me have two sets of chromosomes in most of our cells. On each member of the pair, the chromosome there has a place where the gene lives. The locus. So this means you have two separate copies of one gene. If the genes are identical we call that homozygous. If the genes are not identical, we call that heterozyogous.

An allele is one of two or more alternative versions of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place (locus) on a chromosome in different individuals.
 
  • Like
Likes STOKER, Evo and Motivanka

What is a locus?

A locus is a specific location on a chromosome where a gene is located.

What are alleles?

Alleles are different versions of a gene that code for the same trait. They can vary in their genetic sequence and result in different physical characteristics or traits.

How are genes related to alleles?

A gene is a specific sequence of DNA that codes for a particular protein or trait. Alleles are different versions of the same gene, and they determine the expression of that gene.

What is the role of loci and alleles in inheritance?

Loci and alleles play a crucial role in inheritance. They determine which traits will be inherited from parents and passed on to offspring. The combination of different alleles inherited from both parents contributes to the unique characteristics of an individual.

Can loci and alleles change over time?

Yes, loci and alleles can change over time through genetic mutations. These changes can occur spontaneously or through environmental factors, and they can lead to new alleles being created or existing ones being altered.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
8
Views
1K
Back
Top