What is an allele?(1 point)

Responses

a non-inherited trait
a non-inherited trait

a trait that can be masked
a trait that can be masked

a trait that appears in an offspring if one of the parents contributes it
a trait that appears in an offspring if one of the parents contributes it

a variant form of a gene

a variant form of a gene

a variant form of a gene

The correct response is: a variant form of a gene.

To understand what an allele is, let's break down the answer choices:

- A non-inherited trait: An allele refers to the different versions or variants of a gene that can be inherited from parents, so it is not a non-inherited trait.

- A trait that can be masked: While an allele can influence the expression of a trait, it does not necessarily mean that it can be masked. Therefore, this answer choice is not correct.

- A trait that appears in an offspring if one of the parents contributes it: This answer choice correctly describes an allele. When an organism inherits an allele from one of its parents, it can affect the expression of a trait in the offspring.

- A variant form of a gene: This answer choice accurately defines an allele. An allele is a specific version or variant of a gene. Genes are made up of DNA sequences encoding certain traits, and these genes can have different forms called alleles.

Therefore, the correct answer is: a variant form of a gene.