Final answer:
Final answer:
Alleles, genes, and loci are related but distinct genetic terms; alleles are different versions of a gene, and loci refer to the location of genes on a chromosome. T
Step-by-step explanation:
The answer to whether alleles, genes, and loci are different names for the same thing is false. These terms relate to genetics but have distinct meanings. A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or set of proteins. Each gene can have multiple versions, and these different versions are known as alleles. While a gene tells us what trait is involved, an allele tells us what version of the trait you have.
The locus (plural loci) is the fixed position on a chromosome where a particular gene or genetic marker is located. Therefore, the locus is like an address for the gene. In diploid organisms, individuals have two alleles for each gene, one inherited from each parent. These can be the same (homozygous) or different (heterozygous). The combination of alleles an organism has is known as its genotype, which contributes to its phenotype, or observable traits. While a single locus can only have at most two alleles in any individual organism since chromosomes come in pairs, multiple alleles for a gene can exist within a population.