Define the term "allele" in genetics.

In genetics, an allele is defined as a variant form of a gene that may produce different traits or phenotypes. Alleles arise from mutations and can exist in different forms within a population. For example, a gene responsible for flower color in plants may have multiple alleles; one allele could encode for red flowers, while another encodes for white flowers. The combination of alleles inherited from an organism's parents ultimately determines its observable traits or characteristics.

This concept is fundamental in understanding genetic diversity and inheritance patterns, as alleles can be dominant or recessive, influencing how traits manifest in the offspring. Identifying these variants helps in studies of heredity, evolution, and even in understanding certain medical conditions related to genetics.