Genes are segments of DNA that encode instructions for making specific proteins, which influence various traits and functions in an organism. Each gene occupies a specific location on a chromosome and can impact characteristics such as eye color or height. Alleles are different versions of a gene. Since genes come in pairs, alleles can be identical or vary between individuals. Dominant alleles express their traits with only one copy, while recessive alleles require two copies to manifest.
Traits are observable features resulting from the interaction of genes and their alleles. For instance, the gene determining flower color can have different alleles, leading to variations like purple or white flowers. Understanding the distinction between genes, alleles, and traits is crucial in genetics.
Understanding The Difference Between Genes And Alleles