Question

How can alleles interact with one another?

Answer 1

Interaction of alleles

1. Alleles of one gene can interact with alleles of other genes in various ways at the functional level producing different phenotypic expressions.
2. Different phenotypic traits are observed in different allele combinations.
3. Gene interactions can be either allelic or non-allelic as follows:
   • Complete dominance- The dominant allele completely masks the effect of the recessive allele.
   • Incomplete dominance- In the heterozygous condition, the dominant allele expresses its phenotype but is unable to completely mask the phenotype of the recessive allele.
   • Codominance- In the heterozygous condition, both the alleles express their phenotypes.
   • Multiple alleles- The ABO blood grouping shows the effects of multiple alleles.