Overview

• Post By : Kumar Jeetendra


• Source: Microbioz India


• Date: 31 Mar,2023

Genotype refers to the score assigned to the specific variant at a certain locus in the genome. It lends itself to symbolic representation. A gene variant might be represented, for instance, as BB, Bb, bb. The precise DNA sequence at a certain location—CC, CT, or TT—can also stand in for a genotype. Genotypes at millions of sites across a genome can be determined with a single experiment using DNA sequencing and other technologies.

What is a gene?

The physical and functional building block of heredity is a unit called a gene. Genes are made out of DNA. Proteins are the end products of the processes directed by some genes. Many genes, however, do not produce functional proteins. Human genes can range in size from just a few hundred DNA bases long to well over 2 million. Humans have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes, according to findings from the Human Genome Project, a worldwide endeavour to map out the genetic blueprint of humans.

What is an allele?

At every particular position in the genome, there can be two or more alternative sequences of DNA (a single base or a length of nucleotides).

Also read:

Genotype vs Phenotype: 8 key differences

Here are 6 points of comparison between genotype and allele:

1. Definition: The term “allele” refers to the various forms of a gene that can be found in humans, whereas the term “genotype“ refers to the full set of genetic instructions that an individual receives from their parents at birth.
2. Inheritance: The genetic characteristics of an individual are determined by their genotype, which is passed down from both of their parents. Alleles are inherited from both parents and have the potential to define certain characteristics, such as a person’s blood type or hair colour.
3. Expression: The potential for the development of particular traits is determined by the genotype, but environmental circumstances can also play a role in determining whether or not those traits are actually expressed. The specific manifestation of a trait is determined by its alleles.
4. Variations: It is possible for an individual to have a genotype that is homozygous, which indicates that they have two copies of the same gene, or heterozygous, which indicates that they have two alleles that are different from one another. It is possible for an allele to exist in a number of different forms, such as a dominant or recessive type.
5. Phenotype: The observable physical or physiological characteristic that is a direct outcome of the expression of genes is referred to as the phenotype. The presence of particular phenotypes is dependent on the individual’s genotype, but the exact manifestation of the phenotype is determined by the alleles.
6. Relationship: The mix of alleles that make up an individual’s genotype is referred to as their genotype. Genotype and allele are related concepts. Yet, the term “genotype“ refers to an individual’s complete set of genetic information, whereas the term “allele” describes a particular variant of a gene.