An allele (also called allelomorph) is a variant form of a gene.
It's any one of two or more genes that may occur alternatively at a given site (locus) on a chromosome. Alleles may occur in pairs, or there may be multiple alleles affecting the expression (phenotype) of a particular trait.
Humans are called diploid organisms because they have two alleles at each genetic locus, with one allele inherited from each parent. Each pair of alleles represents the genotype of a specific gene.
In latest buzz, a group of scientists has unlocked the interaction between genes in certain tissues that can play a role in the hereditary risk for cardiometabolic diseases, including conditions that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Find out more at Fiercebiotech.com.