alleryStart learning →Alleles are best defined as which of the following?
AWhole chromosomes donated by the male parent
BProteins that switch a nearby gene on or off
CCells that divide by meiosis to make gametes
DGene variants at the same place on homologues
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Gene variants at the same place on homologues
1. Homologous chromosomes carry the same genes in the same linear order.
2. Alleles are gene variants that arise by mutation and sit at the same relative location on those homologues.
3. A whole chromosome carries many genes, so it is not an allele.
4. Proteins and cells are products and structures, not versions of a gene.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 12 "Mendel's Experiments and Heredity", section 12.2 Characteristics and Traits_
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