What are alternative versions of genes called?

An allele is a variant form of a gene. Some genes have a variety of different forms, which are located at the same position, or genetic locus, on a chromosome. Humans are called diploid organisms because they have two alleles at each genetic locus, with one allele inherited from each parent.

What is an alternative variation of gene?

The fact that genes exist in alternate forms, called alleles, forms the basis for the study of population genetics. Populations are made up of members of the same species that interbreed. Population geneticists study the variation that naturally occurs among the genes within a population.

What do geneticists call different versions of the same gene?

Different versions of the same gene are called alleles. Genes can have two or more possible alleles. Individual humans have two alleles, or versions, of every gene.

What are the two versions of genes called?

Individuals receive two versions of each gene, known as alleles, from each parent. If the alleles of a gene are different, one allele will be expressed; it is the dominant gene. The effect of the other allele, called recessive, is masked.

What is a change in DNA called?

DNA is a dynamic and adaptable molecule. As such, the nucleotide sequences found within it are subject to change as the result of a phenomenon called mutation.

What is a coiled strand of DNA called?

In the nucleus of each cell, the DNA molecule is packaged into thread-like structures called chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of DNA tightly coiled many times around proteins called histones that support its structure.

What are the 2 base pairings in DNA?

DNA base pair. Under normal circumstances, the nitrogen-containing bases adenine (A) and thymine (T) pair together, and cytosine (C) and guanine (G) pair together. The binding of these base pairs forms the structure of DNA .