Describe the meaning of the terms: gene, genetic locus, alleles, phenotype and genotype

A gene is a length of DNA that codes for a particular trait. ( Think of- jeans - they are long items (length) of clothing, what they're made out of determines what they are. This is a key concept of genetics)
The position of a gene on the chromosome is called the genetic locus . (LOCus LOCation)
For each gene there are alternative forms called alleles. (ALleles ALternatives)
The two alleles represent a genotype. This is the genetic make - up of an organism (GENotype -think GENetics)
The actual appearance of the trait represents the phenotype (PHenotype - think PHoto - how it appears)

EM
Answered by Eoin M. Biology tutor

3179 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain why diffusion is an important process in plants and animals.


Describe some of the means by which a plant might defend itself, bearing in mind that it is 'sessile' (it cannot move around)?


Describe the process of therapeutic cloning.


What is the function of bile?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning