An alternative form of a gene is called an ___?

An alternative form of a gene is called an ___?

• A. Genotype
• B. Chromosome
• C. Allele
• D. Trait

Answer: (C)

An allele is a variant form of a gene. Genes can come in different versions that occupy the same position on homologous chromosomes, and these different versions are what create variation in inherited traits. For example, a gene for flower color might have a red allele and a white allele. The pair of alleles an individual has for that gene (their genotype) and which allele is dominant determine the actual appearance (the phenotype). In contrast, a genotype refers to the specific combination of alleles, a chromosome is the DNA-carrying structure that holds many genes, and a trait is the observable characteristic.

An allele is a variant form of a gene. Genes can come in different versions that occupy the same position on homologous chromosomes, and these different versions are what create variation in inherited traits. For example, a gene for flower color might have a red allele and a white allele. The pair of alleles an individual has for that gene (their genotype) and which allele is dominant determine the actual appearance (the phenotype). In contrast, a genotype refers to the specific combination of alleles, a chromosome is the DNA-carrying structure that holds many genes, and a trait is the observable characteristic.