Which term describes an alternative form of a gene?

Which term describes an alternative form of a gene?

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

Answer: (C)

The term that describes an alternative form of a gene is "allele." Alleles are different versions of the same gene that may produce variations in a trait. For example, if a gene determines flower color, one allele may code for purple flowers while another allele may code for white flowers. This genetic variability is fundamental to the process of evolution and contributes to the diversity seen in traits among individuals within a species. In genetics, "locus" refers to the specific location of a gene on a chromosome, not its alternative forms. "Chromosome" denotes the structure that organizes and carries genetic information in the form of genes, but it does not describe variability within genes themselves. "Trait" refers to any observable characteristic or feature of an organism, which is influenced by genes, including their alleles, but does not represent the genetic variations themselves. Thus, "allele" accurately captures the concept of alternative forms of a gene.

The term that describes an alternative form of a gene is "allele." Alleles are different versions of the same gene that may produce variations in a trait. For example, if a gene determines flower color, one allele may code for purple flowers while another allele may code for white flowers. This genetic variability is fundamental to the process of evolution and contributes to the diversity seen in traits among individuals within a species.

In genetics, "locus" refers to the specific location of a gene on a chromosome, not its alternative forms. "Chromosome" denotes the structure that organizes and carries genetic information in the form of genes, but it does not describe variability within genes themselves. "Trait" refers to any observable characteristic or feature of an organism, which is influenced by genes, including their alleles, but does not represent the genetic variations themselves. Thus, "allele" accurately captures the concept of alternative forms of a gene.