Allele | DNA Testing Glossary
An allele is one of two or more variants of a gene or genetic marker found at a specific location (locus) on a chromosome. Every person carries two alleles at each locus — one inherited from their biological mother and one from their biological father. In DNA relationship testing, the lab determines which alleles are present at each tested STR locus for every participant. If the child carries an allele at a given locus that matches one of the alleged father's alleles at that same locus, it is consistent with a biological relationship. When the alleles match across all tested loci, the evidence for paternity is strong.
Related Terms
Locus, Genetic Marker, STR (Short Tandem Repeat), DNA Profile, Mutation
