What is the Difference Between Allelic and Non allelic Gene?

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The difference between allelic and non-allelic genes lies in their position on the chromosomes and their interaction with each other. Here are the key differences:

  1. Position on chromosomes: Allelic genes are alternative forms of a gene that are present at the same location on homologous chromosomes. In contrast, non-allelic genes are present at different locations on the same homologous chromosome.
  2. Interaction: Allelic genes interact with each other, which is referred to as allelic or non-epistatic gene interaction. This interaction occurs between the alleles of a single gene and can result in different phenotypes, such as in incomplete dominance. Non-allelic genes, on the other hand, interact with each other in a way that involves interactions between genes on identical or distinct chromosomes. This interaction is referred to as non-allelic or epistatic gene interaction.

In summary, allelic genes are alternative forms of a gene located at the same position on homologous chromosomes and interact with each other, while non-allelic genes are located at different positions on the same homologous chromosome and interact with each other in a way that involves interactions between genes on identical or distinct chromosomes.

Comparative Table: Allelic vs Non allelic Gene

Here is a table comparing allelic and non-allelic genes:

Allelic Genes Non-allelic Genes
Alleles are present at the same location on homologous chromosomes. Alleles are present at different locations on the same homologous chromosomes.
Responsible for different characteristics in an organism. Also responsible for different characteristics in an organism.
Genetic interactions between alleles of a single gene are referred to as allelic or intra-allelic interactions. Genetic interactions between alleles of different genes are referred to as non-allelic or inter-allelic interactions.
Mendelian ratios do not explain all types of inheritance patterns. Mendelian ratios also do not explain all types of inheritance patterns.
Deviations from Mendelian traits are referred to as interactions of genes or factor hypothesis. Deviations from Mendelian traits are also referred to as interactions of genes or factor hypothesis.

Both allelic and non-allelic genes affect gene expression in different ways due to their interactions.