Question

how are genes and alleles related?

a. alleles are the physical characteristics of an organism, while genes are the specific combinations of traits.
b. genes and alleles are different kinds of dna that lead to different characteristics in organisms.
c. genes are the different types of alleles that cause characteristics.
d. alleles are distinct versions of genes that code for traits.

Explanation:

• Option A: Incorrect. Alleles are not physical characteristics. Physical characteristics are phenotypes. Genes are segments of DNA, not combinations of traits.
• Option B: Incorrect. Alleles are versions of genes (which are made of DNA), not different kinds of DNA.
• Option C: Incorrect. It's the opposite. Alleles are versions of genes.
• Option D: Correct. Alleles are distinct versions of genes. For example, for the gene that codes for flower color in pea - plants, there can be an allele for purple color and an allele for white color.

Answer:

D. Alleles are distinct versions of genes that code for traits.