What is the difference between Gene and Allele?

A gene is part of DNA, while alleles refer to different versions of the same gene. Genes are the other parts of DNA that determine the genetic traits of a person, and alleles are the different sequences on the DNA of the individual. Another crucial difference is that alleles occur in pairs. They are also separated into recessive and dominant classifications; although, genes do not have this differentiation. Alleles create the opposite phenotypes that are the opposite of the gene. When two parts of a gene are homogenous, they are called homozygous; however, the pair comprises different alleles, which are called heterozygous. In heterozygous alleles, the dominant alleles denote an expression.

A gene refers to a part of the DNA, while an allele refers to different kinds of the same gene. Genes can be described as different segments of the DNA that determines the kinds of genetic traits to be possessed by a person; while alleles can be described as the distinguished sequences in the DNA, which determine an individual’s single characteristic. Alleles are generally known to occur in pairs, and they are divided into dominant and recessive categories. Meanwhile, there is nothing of such genes. Alleles are also known to produce phenotypes that are opposite in their natural trait or behavior. When there are two similar alleles making up a gene, it is said to be homogenous in nature, and thus referred to as homozygous. But if there are two different alleles making up a pair of genes, it is referred to as heterozygous, where the dominant allele dominates to find expression.

When you say “genes,” this should not be interchanged with “jeans” which is something that people wear. Genes are composed of DNA which is a complex molecule that will code genetic information so that the inherited traits can be passed on to the next generation. Alleles are also known to be genetic sequences and they will be in charge of coding the traits so that the transmission to the next generation can be completed. The allele is considered to be one of the variants of the gene. If it is a bit confusing, remember that the gene will hold all of the genetic traits while the allele will be in charge of the sequence of the traits so that the coding will be done properly.