Poem a Day April 27, 2012 (bonus poem!)

allele (suggested by Tabitha)

genes encoding
simple traits
complex traits
interesting phenotypes
thrilling combinations
stir and mix

one
unique
individual

I like using “official” sources for the terms that I am only vaguely familiar with (if I am trying to grasp the full function of the word of the day). Here are three sources I believe to be reliable that describe allele:

• National Institutes of Health, Genetics Home Reference Glossary
• Biology as Poetry, Entry on Allele; I know the author and therefore know this to be reliable!
• Thinkquest’s Page of Definitions for Heredity; the site is reliable, devoted to teaching and links from this page will help demonstrate why alleles are important.