What is an allele?

a variant form of a gene
a variant form of a gene

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 non-inherited trait
a non-inherited trait

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

An allele is a variant form of a gene. It is a specific version or alternate form of a gene that can exist for a particular trait or characteristic. Each individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent. These alleles may be the same (homozygous) or different (heterozygous). Alleles determine the specific expression or phenotype of a trait in an individual.

An allele is a variant form of a gene. It represents different variations of a particular gene that can exist within a population. Each individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent. These alleles determine the traits and characteristics that an individual possesses. If an allele is dominant, it will be expressed in the offspring even if only one parent contributes it. However, if an allele is recessive, it will only be expressed if it is contributed by both parents. Alleles that are not inherited or traits that can be masked are not examples of alleles.

An allele is a variant form of a gene. Genes are segments of DNA that determine specific traits in organisms. Each gene can have different versions called alleles. These variations can result in differences in traits exhibited by individuals.

To understand what an allele is, you can follow these steps:

1. Start with the concept of a gene: Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for building and functioning of organisms.

2. Recognize that genes come in different forms: Genes can have various versions or variants known as alleles. These versions can differ in their DNA sequence, leading to variations in traits.

3. Understand how alleles contribute to traits: When an organism inherits one copy of a gene from each parent, it can carry different alleles of that gene. These alleles can produce different proteins or have different effects on the organism's traits.

4. Notice that alleles can be dominant or recessive: Some alleles may have more influence on the trait they control, while others may be less influential. Dominant alleles mask the presence of other alleles, while recessive alleles are only expressed when paired with another recessive allele.

In summary, an allele is a variant form of a gene. It is responsible for the variations in traits that individuals can inherit from their parents.