Choose the best answer: A seed can be round or wrinkled. Seed shape is… A a trait B: an allele C a chromosome D a gene
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. a trait
Explanation:
In genetics, a trait is a specific characteristic of an organism that can vary from one individual to another. Traits are observable features such as eye color, height, or — in this case — seed shape. The seed can be round or wrinkled, meaning seed shape is a trait because it describes a visible, physical characteristic.
Let’s explore the other terms to clarify why they are not the correct answer:
B: An allele
An allele is a variant form of a gene. For example, the gene that determines seed shape may have two alleles: one for round seeds and one for wrinkled seeds. Alleles are what actually code for the different versions of a trait, but they are not the trait itself. Rather, they cause the variation in the trait.
C: A chromosome
A chromosome is a long strand of DNA that contains many genes. While chromosomes carry the genes (and therefore alleles) responsible for traits, they are much broader structures and not directly referred to when describing a specific trait like seed shape.
D: A gene
A gene is a segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or function, often influencing a trait. For example, the gene for seed shape will influence whether a seed is round or wrinkled. However, the gene is the unit of heredity, not the trait itself. The trait is the result or expression of a gene (or genes).
Conclusion:
So, seed shape (round or wrinkled) is a trait — the physical feature that results from genetic coding. The gene determines the trait, and alleles are the different forms of that gene. Therefore, A: a trait is the correct and most accurate choice.
