I know what the literal definition of ALLELE is but I don't really understand it, so could someone please dumb it down for me. and if you would like the literal definition here it is:
One specific form of a gene, differing from other alleles by one or few bases only and occupying the same gene locus as other alleles of the gene.

Question

I know what the literal definition of  ALLELE is but I don't really understand it, so could someone please dumb it down for me. and if you would like the literal definition here it is:
One specific form of a gene, differing from other alleles by one or few bases only and occupying the same gene locus as other alleles of the gene.

anonymous · Answer

its basically just part of the gene that is passed down from parent to offspring (characteristic) hope this helped

aaronq · Answer

lets say you have 2 popsicles, one of each flavour.. an allele is like a popsicle of one of the flavours, except it's not a flavour it's a sequence. So alleles are just different versions of a gene. does that make sense?

anonymous · Answer

Okay from what I gathered from both of your responses and my own limited understanding, an allele is the part of the gene that is passed down that codes for something like eye colour and what not.

anonymous · Answer

yup , pretty much

aaronq · Answer

essentially.. but an allele is not part of a gene, it IS a gene.

anonymous · Answer

so its like a type of gene?

anonymous · Answer

hmmm, I see, Thanks guys you both were awesome :D

anonymous · Answer

your welcome

aaronq · Answer

yeah, like there could be an allele that makes you have black hair and one that makes you have blonde hair.  (btw this is a over-simplification)

anonymous · Answer

I get it, thanks guys :)

aaronq · Answer

no problem !