Allelic heterogeneity refers to different mutations in the same gene locus that can lead to various phenotypes, often influenced by factors like natural selection and genetic drift. In contrast, locus heterogeneity is characterized by a single trait resulting from mutations in different gene loci, where only one mutant locus is necessary to exhibit the phenotype. Thus, the key difference lies in whether mutations affecting the phenotype occur in the same locus or across various loci.

1. Describe the differences between allelic heterogeneity and locus heterogeneity
Solution
Ans.) The differences between allelic heterogeneity and locus heterogeneity
In general terms, allelic heterogeneity defines the different mutation in the same gene locus that
displays different phenotype. The variation occur due to natural selection as a consequence of
genetic drift, mutation etc.
The genetic or locus heterogeneity is the single trait that caused due to mutation in different gene
loci. Only a single mutant locus is needed to display the phenotype.
Allelic heterogeneity is the mutation in same loci that showed different phenotypic character
whereas locus heterogeneity is the only one trait occurs due to mutation in different loci.