What are alleles?

Alleles are defined as different versions of a gene that occur at a specific locus on a chromosome. Each individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent, which can be the same (homozygous) or different (heterozygous). The variations in alleles can lead to different traits or characteristics expressed in an organism. For instance, in the case of a gene that determines flower color, one allele may code for red flowers while another may code for white flowers.

In this context, identifying alleles as different versions of a gene helps clarify how genetic diversity is created within a population, reflecting the underlying mechanisms of inheritance and phenotypic variation. Such a distinction emphasizes the role of alleles in genetic expression and inheritance patterns, fundamental concepts in biology and genetics.