Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What are alleles?

1. Different types of proteins

2. Different forms of a gene

3. The process of gene mutation

4. Structures within a cell nucleus

The correct answer is: Different forms of a gene

Alleles are different forms of a gene that occur at the same locus (position) on homologous chromosomes. Each gene can have multiple variations, with each variation referred to as an allele. For instance, a gene that determines flower color in a plant might have alleles for red, white, or purple flowers. These variations can manifest in differing traits or characteristics, depending on which alleles are present in an individual's genetic makeup. The presence of different alleles contributes to genetic diversity and the inheritance of traits within a population. Understanding alleles is fundamental in fields such as genetics, biology, and medicine, as they play a critical role in heredity and variation among organisms.