What do you call the different forms of a gene?

The different forms of a gene are referred to as alleles. Alleles are variations of the same gene that can result in different traits or characteristics. For example, a gene that determines flower color in a plant may have an allele for red flowers and another allele for white flowers. Each plant will inherit one allele from each parent, leading to a combination that influences its traits.

Understanding alleles is crucial because they contribute to genetic variation within a species. This variation can impact an organism’s appearance, behavior, and overall fitness in its environment. Thus, recognizing that alleles represent the different versions of a gene helps clarify how traits are inherited and expressed in individuals.