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Multiple Choice
What is the difference between a dominant and a recessive trait?
A
A dominant trait is expressed only when two copies of the allele are present, while a recessive trait is expressed with just one copy.
B
A dominant trait is expressed only in homozygous individuals, while a recessive trait is expressed in heterozygous individuals.
C
A dominant trait is always expressed in the phenotype, while a recessive trait is never expressed.
D
A dominant trait is expressed when at least one copy of the allele is present, while a recessive trait is expressed only when two copies are present.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of alleles: Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome. Each individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent.
Define dominant and recessive traits: A dominant trait is one that is expressed in the phenotype even if only one copy of the allele is present. A recessive trait requires two copies of the allele to be expressed in the phenotype.
Explore homozygous and heterozygous conditions: Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a gene, while heterozygous refers to having two different alleles for a gene. Dominant traits can be expressed in both homozygous and heterozygous conditions, whereas recessive traits are expressed only in homozygous conditions.
Consider phenotype expression: The phenotype is the observable characteristics of an organism. A dominant allele will mask the presence of a recessive allele in a heterozygous individual, leading to the expression of the dominant trait in the phenotype.
Apply the concept to genetic inheritance: In genetic inheritance, if an individual inherits at least one dominant allele, the dominant trait will be expressed. If an individual inherits two recessive alleles, the recessive trait will be expressed.