Multiple Choice
In a population, which allele is typically more common?
250
views
12. Meiosis
Genes & Alleles
Struggling with General Biology?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the primary difference between a dominant allele and a recessive allele?
A
Recessive alleles are more common in a population than dominant alleles.
B
Dominant alleles are only expressed in homozygous individuals.
C
A dominant allele masks the expression of a recessive allele in a heterozygous individual.
D
A recessive allele is always expressed in the phenotype, regardless of the presence of a dominant allele.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the basic definitions: An allele is a variant form of a gene. In a diploid organism, each individual has two alleles for each gene, one inherited from each parent.
Recognize the concept of dominance: A dominant allele is one that expresses its trait even when only one copy is present (heterozygous condition). It can mask the presence of a recessive allele.
Identify the role of recessive alleles: A recessive allele only expresses its trait when two copies are present (homozygous condition). In the presence of a dominant allele, the recessive trait is not expressed in the phenotype.
Clarify the expression in heterozygous individuals: In a heterozygous individual, where one dominant and one recessive allele are present, the dominant allele's trait is expressed in the phenotype, while the recessive allele's trait is masked.
Correct the misconceptions: Recessive alleles are not necessarily more common than dominant alleles, and dominant alleles can be expressed in both homozygous and heterozygous individuals. A recessive allele is not always expressed in the phenotype if a dominant allele is present.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Genes & Alleles practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations