In English | En español
Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

Understanding Cancer Series

< Back to Main
  • Posted: 01/28/2005
  • Reviewed: 09/01/2006

Page Options

  • Print This Page
  • Print This Document
  • View Entire Document
  • Email This Document
  • View/Print PDF
  • View/Print PowerPoint

Slide 14

:

Alleles

< Previous SectionNext Section >

Genes come in pairs, with one copy inherited from each parent.

Many genes come in a number of variant forms, known as alleles. A dominant allele prevails over a normal allele. A recessive allele prevails if its counterpart allele on the other chromosome becomes inactivated or lost.

Alleles