Question

which statement best describes the relationship between a gene and an allele?
a gene is always recessive to an allele.
a gene is a variant of an allele.
an allele is a variant of a gene.
a gene is always dominant to an allele.

Explanation:

To determine the correct relationship between a gene and an allele, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Genes and alleles don't have a "gene is recessive to allele" relationship. Recessive/dominant is between alleles, not a gene and an allele. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The relationship is reversed. Alleles are variants of genes, not the other way around. Eliminate B.
• Option C: An allele is a specific form (variant) of a gene. For example, a gene for eye color can have alleles like brown or blue. This is correct.
• Option D: Similar to A, the concept of dominant/recessive is between alleles, not a gene and an allele. Eliminate D.

Answer:

C. An allele is a variant of a gene.