What is the relationship between an allele and a gene?

• A. A gene is a variant form of an allele.
• B. An allele is a variant form of a gene.
• C. A gene is a sequence of proteins.
• D. An allele is a type of chromosome.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the basic definitions: A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein or set of proteins. It is the fundamental unit of heredity.
2. Next, clarify what an allele is: An allele is a variant form of a gene. Different alleles can result in different traits or characteristics, such as eye color or blood type.
3. Consider the relationship between genes and alleles: Each gene can have multiple alleles, which are responsible for the diversity in traits among individuals. Alleles are located at specific positions, or loci, on chromosomes.
4. Reflect on the incorrect statements: A gene is not a variant form of an allele; rather, an allele is a variant form of a gene. Additionally, a gene is not a sequence of proteins; it is a sequence of nucleotides that codes for proteins.
5. Finally, understand that alleles are not types of chromosomes. Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain many genes, and alleles are specific versions of those genes.