Understanding Genes and Alleles

The video tutorial explains the difference between genes and alleles. Genes are sections of DNA that code for specific traits, such as eye color or metabolism. Alleles are different forms of the same gene, representing variations like eye color options (green, brown, blue, etc.). The video uses analogies, such as comparing alleles to different flavors of Coca Cola, to clarify these concepts. The tutorial concludes by encouraging viewers to explore more genetics videos and ask questions.

What is the primary function of genes?

• To create proteins

• To code for specific traits

• To replicate DNA

• To produce energy

How are alleles best described?

• Different genes for the same trait

• Different forms of the same gene

• Unrelated genetic sequences

• Identical copies of a gene

Which analogy was used to explain alleles?

• Flavors of ice cream

• Models of smartphones

• Different types of cars

• Varieties of Coca Cola

What are examples of alleles for eye color?

• Thick, thin, medium

• Round, oval, square

• Tall, short, medium

• Green, brown, blue

What does a gene specify?

• The genetic sequence length

• The trait itself

• The form a trait takes

• The number of chromosomes

What does an allele specify?

• The number of genes

• The form a gene takes

• The type of cell

• The DNA structure

What is the key difference between a gene and an allele?

• They are identical in function

• A gene is a type of allele

• A gene specifies a trait, an allele specifies the form

• An allele is a type of gene