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Multiple Choice
What is the difference between dominant and recessive alleles?
A
Dominant alleles are only expressed in the phenotype when two copies are present, while recessive alleles are always expressed.
B
Dominant alleles are always expressed in the phenotype, while recessive alleles are only expressed when two copies are present.
C
Dominant alleles are expressed in the phenotype only in the absence of recessive alleles, while recessive alleles are expressed in the presence of dominant alleles.
D
Dominant alleles are expressed only in the presence of a recessive allele, while recessive alleles are expressed only in the presence of a dominant allele.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic concept of alleles: Alleles are different forms of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome. They can be dominant or recessive.
Define dominant alleles: A dominant allele is one that is expressed in the phenotype even if only one copy is present. This means that if an individual has at least one dominant allele, the trait associated with it will be visible.
Define recessive alleles: A recessive allele is only expressed in the phenotype if two copies are present. This means that the trait associated with a recessive allele will only be visible if the individual has two recessive alleles and no dominant alleles for that trait.
Compare the expression of dominant and recessive alleles: Dominant alleles mask the expression of recessive alleles in a heterozygous individual (one dominant and one recessive allele). Therefore, the phenotype will show the trait of the dominant allele.
Clarify the correct statement: The correct understanding is that dominant alleles are always expressed in the phenotype when present, while recessive alleles are only expressed when two copies are present, meaning no dominant allele is present to mask them.