What term describes alternative forms of a gene?

What term describes alternative forms of a gene?

• A. Chromosomes
• B. Genotypes
• C. Alleles
• D. Phenotypes

Answer: (C)

Alleles are the alternative forms of a gene that occupy the same position (locus) on paired chromosomes. They arise by mutation and create genetic variation, allowing different traits to be inherited. An individual has two alleles for each gene—one from each parent—which together make up the genotype. The observable trait, or phenotype, results from how those alleles interact (for example, dominance relationships). Chromosomes are the structures that carry many genes, while the term alleles specifically describes the different versions of a single gene.

Alleles are the alternative forms of a gene that occupy the same position (locus) on paired chromosomes. They arise by mutation and create genetic variation, allowing different traits to be inherited. An individual has two alleles for each gene—one from each parent—which together make up the genotype. The observable trait, or phenotype, results from how those alleles interact (for example, dominance relationships). Chromosomes are the structures that carry many genes, while the term alleles specifically describes the different versions of a single gene.