Which genetic term refers to a pair of alleles for a specific gene?

Which genetic term refers to a pair of alleles for a specific gene?

• A. Haploid
• B. Genotype
• C. Sonotype
• D. Allelic pair

Answer: (B)

The term that refers to a pair of alleles for a specific gene is genotype. A genotype comprises the specific alleles an individual possesses for a particular gene, reflecting the genetic makeup responsible for various traits. Each individual inherits one allele from each parent, and together, these alleles form the genotype. Understanding the concept of genotype is crucial because it provides insight into how traits are expressed in an organism and can determine phenotypes, which are the observable characteristics influenced by the genotype and environmental factors. The term "haploid" refers to cells that contain only one set of chromosomes and therefore only one allele for each gene, which is not what is asked in the question. "Sonotype" does not have a recognized meaning in genetic terminology, and "allelic pair," while somewhat descriptive, is not the commonly used term in genetics; "genotype" is the standard term used in scientific literature.

The term that refers to a pair of alleles for a specific gene is genotype. A genotype comprises the specific alleles an individual possesses for a particular gene, reflecting the genetic makeup responsible for various traits. Each individual inherits one allele from each parent, and together, these alleles form the genotype.

Understanding the concept of genotype is crucial because it provides insight into how traits are expressed in an organism and can determine phenotypes, which are the observable characteristics influenced by the genotype and environmental factors. The term "haploid" refers to cells that contain only one set of chromosomes and therefore only one allele for each gene, which is not what is asked in the question. "Sonotype" does not have a recognized meaning in genetic terminology, and "allelic pair," while somewhat descriptive, is not the commonly used term in genetics; "genotype" is the standard term used in scientific literature.