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Multiple Choice
If the allele encoding polydactyly (six fingers) is dominant, why do most people have five fingers?
A
The recessive allele is more common in the population.
B
Environmental factors suppress the dominant allele.
C
The dominant allele is not expressed in the phenotype.
D
Most people are homozygous recessive for the trait.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of dominant and recessive alleles: In genetics, a dominant allele is one that expresses its trait even if only one copy is present, while a recessive allele requires two copies to express its trait.
Recognize the genetic makeup of individuals: Most people have five fingers because they are homozygous recessive for the trait, meaning they have two copies of the recessive allele that does not express polydactyly.
Consider the frequency of alleles in the population: The recessive allele for having five fingers is more common in the population, leading to a higher number of individuals being homozygous recessive.
Analyze the expression of the dominant allele: Although the allele for polydactyly is dominant, it is less common in the population, so fewer individuals have the dominant allele to express the trait.
Conclude with the phenotype expression: Since most people are homozygous recessive, the phenotype of having five fingers is more prevalent, despite the dominant allele for polydactyly.