Understanding Recessive Alleles and Their Role in Genetics

Recessive Allele

Can be hidden by a dominant allele, only shows if there are two

A recessive allele is an alternative form of a gene that is not expressed or masked by the presence of a dominant allele in a heterozygous individual. Recessive alleles typically produce a characteristic phenotype only when present in the homozygous state. In such cases, the individual expresses the recessive trait because there is no dominant allele to mask it.

For example, if an individual inherits two recessive alleles for a genetic disorder such as cystic fibrosis, they will develop the disease. However, if they inherit one recessive and one dominant allele, they will only be a carrier of the disorder and will not develop it, but could potentially pass it on to their offspring.

Recessive alleles are often associated with genetic diseases or disorders, but they can also lead to color variations or other physical differences that are not necessarily harmful. It is important to note that the expression of a recessive trait depends on the presence of the recessive allele in the genotype and the absence of a dominant allele. Therefore, it is possible for a recessive allele to be present in one generation but skip one or more generations before being expressed.

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