allele (redirected from silent allele)

allele /al·lele/ (ah-lēl´) one of two or more alternative forms of a gene at corresponding sites (loci) on homologous chromosomes, which determine alternative characters in inheritance.allel´ic

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multiple alleles  alleles of which there are more than two alternative forms possible at any one locus.

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al·lele (-ll)

n.

One member of a pair or series of genes that occupies a specific position on a specific chromosome. Also called allelomorph.

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al·lelic (-llk, -llk) adj.

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allele

[əlēl′]

1 one of two or more alternative forms of a gene that occupy corresponding loci on homologous chromosomes. Each allele encodes a phenotypic feature or a certain inherited characteristic. An individual normally has two alleles for each gene, one contributed by the mother and one by the father. If both alleles are the same, the individual is homozygous; if the alleles are different, the individual is heterozygous. In heterozygous individuals, one of the alleles is usually dominant, and the other is recessive. In humans, for example, the allele for brown eyes is dominant, and the allele for blue eyes is recessive.

2 one of two or more contrasting characteristics transmitted by alternative forms of a gene. Also called allelomorph. allelic, adj.

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allele (lēl´),

n (allelomorph), one or more genes occupying the same location in a chromosome but differing because of a mutational change of one.

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allele

one of two or more alternative forms of a gene at the same site or locus in each of a pair of chromosomes, which determine alternative characters in inheritance. Called also allelomorph.

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blank allele

an allele which produces an antigen which cannot be detected.

null allele

see silent allele (below).

silent allele

one that produces no detectable effect.

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genotype

The complete genetic constitution of an individual at a particular location (locus) in the genome. At many locations (loci) throughout the genome, the chromosomal DNA sequence differs subtly between individuals. Each of the various DNA sequences at one locus is called an allele: for instance, if there are three sequence variants present, then there are three alleles. Offspring inherit one homologous chromosome from each parent. Thus, a genotype comprises two alleles: the allele inherited from the father (carried on the paternal chromosome) and the allele inherited from the mother (carried on the maternal chromosome). See gene; phenotype.

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allele

Genetics An alternate form of a gene, which results in different gene products; any one of 2 or more variants of a gene that occupy the same position–locus on a chromosome, which may differ in nucleotide sequence, but not substantively in function or effect. See Amorphic allele, Pseudoallele allele, Reeler allele, Wimp allele.