The name for each gene in a pair of genes that might or might not carry the same information about a trait is allele.

Here's a breakdown:

* Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a specific trait.

* Allele: A variant form of a gene.

* Pair: Humans have two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. These two copies are called alleles.

Here's how alleles work:

* Homozygous: When both alleles in a pair are the same (e.g., both alleles code for blue eyes).

* Heterozygous: When the two alleles in a pair are different (e.g., one allele codes for blue eyes and the other codes for brown eyes).

The combination of alleles an individual has determines their genotype, which in turn influences their phenotype (observable characteristics).