Dominant trait
completely mask or suppress the expression of recessive traits
A dominant trait is a characteristic that is expressed when an individual possesses one or two copies of a particular dominant allele. In genetics, an allele is a variant form of a gene that determines a particular characteristic or trait.
When a dominant allele is present in an individual, it will mask or override the expression of any recessive allele that may be present at the same gene locus. This means that even if an individual has only one copy of the dominant allele, the trait associated with that allele will be expressed.
For example, in human hair color, the allele for brown hair is dominant over the allele for blonde hair. Therefore, if an individual has a copy of the brown allele, regardless of whether the other copy is blonde or brown, they will have brown hair. In order to have blonde hair, an individual must have two copies of the recessive blonde hair allele.
Understanding dominant traits is important in predicting the likelihood of certain inherited traits in offspring and in determining the underlying causes of certain genetic disorders.
More Answers:
Unveiling Phenotypes: The Intersection of Genetics, Environment, and Observable TraitsGenotypes: Importance in Genetics Research and Personalized Medicine
The Mystery of Recessive Traits: Inherited Physical Characteristics and Genetic Disorders