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Multiple Choice
What is the difference between a dominant and a recessive allele?
A
A dominant allele is always expressed in the phenotype, while a recessive allele is only expressed when two copies are present.
B
A dominant allele is only expressed when two copies are present, while a recessive allele is always expressed in the phenotype.
C
A dominant allele is expressed only in the presence of a recessive allele, while a recessive allele is expressed only in the presence of a dominant allele.
D
A dominant allele is expressed in the phenotype only in the absence of a recessive allele, while a recessive allele is expressed in the presence of a dominant allele.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic definitions: An allele is a variant form of a gene. Genes can have different alleles, which can result in different traits.
Learn about dominance: A dominant allele is one that is expressed in the phenotype even if only one copy is present. This means that if an organism has one dominant allele and one recessive allele for a gene, the trait associated with the dominant allele will be observed.
Learn about recessiveness: A recessive allele is one that is only expressed in the phenotype if two copies are present. This means that the trait associated with a recessive allele will only be observed if the organism has two recessive alleles for a gene.
Consider the genetic combinations: In a heterozygous combination (one dominant and one recessive allele), the dominant allele's trait will be expressed. In a homozygous recessive combination (two recessive alleles), the recessive trait will be expressed.
Apply this understanding to the options given: The correct statement is that a dominant allele is always expressed in the phenotype, while a recessive allele is only expressed when two copies are present.