Multiple Choice
What term describes the phenomenon where both alleles are fully expressed in the phenotype of an offspring?
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12. Meiosis
Genes & Alleles
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What is the difference between a dominant and a recessive allele?
A
A dominant allele is expressed in the phenotype even if only one copy is present, while a recessive allele is only expressed when two copies are present.
B
A dominant allele is found only in animals, while a recessive allele is found only in plants.
C
A dominant allele is always harmful, while a recessive allele is always beneficial.
D
A dominant allele can only be inherited from the mother, while a recessive allele can only be inherited from the father.
Verified step by step guidance1
Begin by understanding what alleles are: Alleles are different versions of a gene that determine specific traits in an organism. Each individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent.
Define a dominant allele: A dominant allele is one that will express its trait 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 particular gene, the trait associated with the dominant allele will be observed.
Define a recessive allele: A recessive allele requires two copies to be present for its trait to be expressed in the phenotype. If an organism has one dominant and one recessive allele, the recessive trait will not be observed.
Clarify misconceptions: Dominant and recessive alleles are not restricted to animals or plants; they are found in all organisms that reproduce sexually. Additionally, the inheritance of alleles is not limited to one parent; alleles can be inherited from either the mother or the father.
Understand the implications: Dominant alleles are not inherently harmful, nor are recessive alleles inherently beneficial. The effect of an allele depends on the specific gene and the trait it influences, as well as the environmental context.
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