Question

The difference between dominant and recessive traits is

a. recessive traits are damaging and dominant traits are not
b. genes for dominant traits are passed on preferentially
c. dominant genes produce proteins, recessive genes do not
d. dominant traits are more likely to be expressed in males
e. traits from recessive genes can be hidden by the effect of dominant genes

Answer 1

Dominant traits are expressed in the phenotype, while recessive traits are only expressed with two recessive alleles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between dominant and recessive traits is that dominant traits are expressed in the phenotype of an individual, while recessive traits remain hidden unless there are two recessive alleles. Dominant traits are seen in both homozygous dominant (AA) and heterozygous (Aa) genotypes, whereas recessive traits are only expressed in individuals with two recessive alleles (aa).

Answer 2

The difference between dominant and recessive traits is e. Traits from recessive genes can be hidden by the effect of dominant genes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between dominant and recessive traits lies in their expression in the presence of both alleles. Dominant traits are expressed when at least one dominant allele is present, masking the effect of any recessive allele. On the other hand, recessive traits are only expressed when two copies of the recessive allele are present, as they are masked by the presence of dominant alleles in heterozygous individuals.

Option e accurately reflects this concept. Traits from recessive genes can be hidden (not expressed phenotypically) when paired with dominant genes in heterozygous individuals. This is a fundamental principle in Mendelian genetics known as the dominance/recessive relationship between alleles.

Option E is the answer.