What is an allele?

An allele is defined as a variant form of a gene that exists at a specific locus on a chromosome. Each gene can have multiple alleles, which can result in different traits or characteristics. For example, the gene governing flower color in a plant may have one allele for red flowers and another for white flowers. These variants can influence the phenotype, or observable characteristics, of an organism.

Understanding this concept is crucial in genetics, as it explains how traits are inherited and expressed in different individuals within a population. The presence of different alleles contributes to genetic diversity, which is essential for evolution and adaptability within species. This differentiation in alleles allows for the variation seen in traits, such as height, color, or disease resistance, and is a fundamental aspect of genetic study.