How are new alleles formed? (A) By crossing over during meiosis (B) By cloning a new variety in a population (C) By mutation in the DNA of a gene (D) By production of a new phenotype from the same DNA - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 1 - 2009 - Paper 1

New alleles are formed primarily through mutations in the DNA sequence of a gene. Mutations can arise due to various factors, including environmental influences, errors during DNA replication, or spontaneous changes in the genetic material. These mutations can alter the function of a gene, leading to variations in traits. While crossing over during meiosis does contribute to genetic variation, it does not create new alleles but rather reshuffles existing genetic material.