Recessive Genes: What You Need to Know.

recessive gene

Gene that is hidden when the dominant gene is present. In an individual that is heterozygous (Aa), the phenotype associated with the capitol letter is expressed/observable.

A recessive gene is a type of gene that is only expressed in an organism’s phenotype when it is paired with a matching recessive allele from the other parent. In other words, if an individual inherits two copies of the same recessive allele (one from each parent), it will express a trait associated with that allele.

One important feature of recessive genes is that they can be “hidden” by dominant alleles. For example, if an individual inherits a dominant allele for a particular trait from one parent and a recessive allele for the same trait from the other parent, the dominant allele will be expressed in the phenotype, and the recessive allele will be masked. However, the recessive allele can still be passed down to future generations, and in the presence of another recessive allele, it can become expressed.

Some common examples of recessive genetic disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. These disorders are only expressed in individuals who inherit two copies of the same recessive allele. Moreover, they often result from mutations in genes that are involved in critical bodily functions, such as the transport of ions across cell membranes or the breakdown of lipids in the nervous system.

In summary, a recessive gene is a type of gene that is only expressed in an organism’s phenotype when it is paired with a matching recessive allele from the other parent.

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