Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

In genetics, what does the term "allele" specifically refer to?

1. A structural protein

2. A variation of a gene

3. A type of RNA

4. A type of mutation

The correct answer is: A variation of a gene

In genetics, the term "allele" specifically refers to a variation of a gene. Genes are segments of DNA that encode for proteins and determine various traits in an organism. However, there can be multiple versions of the same gene, known as alleles. For example, a gene for flower color might have a purple allele and a white allele. These different alleles can result in different expressions of a trait, leading to variations within a species. The other options do not accurately define an allele. Structural proteins are proteins that provide support or shape, while RNA is involved in protein synthesis and gene expression but is not an allele. Mutations refer to changes in the DNA sequence and can affect alleles but are distinct from the concept of an allele itself.