Question

Explain the relationship between each of the following pairs of genetic terms: A. Gene and trait B. Gene and chromosome C. Allele and gene D. DNA sequence and amino acid sequence

Short answer

A gene dictates a trait. Genes are located on a chromosome. An allele is a variant form of a gene. DNA sequence determines the order of amino acids in a protein.

Step-by-step solution

Relationship between Gene and Trait

A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building one or more molecules that help the body work. A trait is an observable characteristic that can be influenced by genes. For example, a gene determines the color of a flower (trait).

Relationship between Gene and Chromosome

A chromosome is a long, string-like group of genes. It is made up of DNA and proteins. Humans have 46 chromosomes, and each chromosome carries many genes. Genes are strung out along the chromosomes.

Relationship between Allele and Gene

In an individual organism, genes come in pairs. Each component of the pair is called an allele. Each allele is a viable DNA coding that occupies a given locus (position) on a chromosome. For example, humans have a gene that determines height, but there may be variations of this gene (alleles) that account for different heights.

Relationship between DNA sequence and amino acid sequence

DNA sequence determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein. DNA carries genetic information in the form of a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). In the process of protein synthesis, this linear sequence of bases is translated into a linear sequence of amino acids - a protein.