nonallele

9.6

A gene in a different place on a chromosome from another gene

noun
/ˌnɒn.əˈliːl/

Specialized

: no alelo

Two nonalleles may interact to affect a phenotype, even though they occupy different loci.

Examples

A nonallele can affect the expression of another gene.
Researchers distinguish between alleles and nonalleles when mapping genetic traits.
A mutation in one nonallele can sometimes compensate for a defect in another gene.
Why are nonalleles important in genetic studies?
Researchers distinguish between alleles and nonalleles when mapping genetic traits.
Two nonalleles may interact to affect a phenotype, even though they occupy different loci.
A mutation in one nonallele can sometimes compensate for a defect in another gene.

Surface Forms

nonallele singular

nonalleles plural

Morphology

nonallele = allele (transparent) = non + allele

Meaning is a straightforward negation of 'allele' by the productive prefix 'non-'; learners who know 'allele' and 'non-' can infer it.

Etymology

Nonallele is made of non- meaning 'not' and allele, from a Greek root meaning 'other', like in the familiar word alternate. So a nonallele is literally 'not the other', a gene that sits in a different place and is not an allele of another gene.