What is an allele? (1 point)
O a non-inherited trait
O a variant form of a gene
O a trait that can be masked
O a trait that appears in an offspring if one of the parents contributes it
Option B: a variant form of a gene.
An allele is a variant form of a gene. (1 point)
The correct answer is: a variant form of a gene.
To arrive at this answer, we can break down the question and the answer choices:
The question asks for the definition of an allele.
Option A: A non-inherited trait - This does not accurately describe an allele. Alleles are inherited variants of genes, so they are indeed inherited traits.
Option B: A variant form of a gene - This accurately describes an allele. Alleles are alternate forms of the same gene that can exist at a specific locus (location) on a chromosome.
Option C: A trait that can be masked - This does not specifically describe an allele. It is true that some traits can be masked by other dominant traits, but this does not solely define an allele.
Option D: A trait that appears in an offspring if one of the parents contributes it - This describes inheritance, but it does not accurately define an allele. Alleles are specific forms of a gene that are transmitted from both parents and can influence the traits or characteristics expressed in the offspring.
Therefore, out of the given options, the most suitable answer is option B: a variant form of a gene.