An allele is a                   . a. version of a gene; b. dysfunctional gene; c. protein; d. spare copy of a gene; e. phenotype

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an allele: An allele is one of two or more versions of a gene that determine the same trait but can lead to different expressions of that trait.
2. Analyze the options given in the question to see which one aligns with the definition of an allele.
3. Option a suggests that an allele is a version of a gene, which matches the definition of an allele as different versions of the same gene.
4. Review the other options to confirm they do not fit the definition of an allele as well as option a. For example, a dysfunctional gene (option b) refers to a gene that does not function properly, not necessarily a different version of a gene.
5. Conclude that the correct answer must be the one that best fits the definition of an allele as a version of a gene.

Key Concepts

Alleles

An allele is a specific version of a gene that occupies a particular position on a chromosome. Alleles can vary in their sequence of DNA, leading to different traits or characteristics in an organism. For example, a gene that determines flower color may have a red allele and a white allele, resulting in different flower colors depending on which alleles are present.

Genes

Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins, which perform various functions in the body. Each gene can have multiple alleles, which contribute to the genetic diversity within a population. Understanding the role of genes is crucial for grasping how traits are inherited and expressed in organisms.

Phenotype

Phenotype refers to the observable physical and physiological traits of an organism, which result from the interaction of its genotype (the genetic makeup) with the environment. For instance, the phenotype of a plant may include its height, flower color, and leaf shape, all of which are influenced by the alleles it possesses and environmental factors.