Question

In a diploid organism, why are loss-of-function mutations usually recessive?

1) The other, normal copy of the gene is still functional.
2) They are complemented by gain-of-function mutations.
3) They are very rare.
4) They are sex-linked.
5) E.) They are eliminated by recombination.

Answer 1

In a diploid organism, loss-of-function mutations are usually recessive because the other copy of the gene is still functional, gain-of-function mutations can complement their effects, and they are rare occurrences.

Step-by-step explanation:

In diploid organisms, loss-of-function mutations are usually recessive due to several factors:

1. The other, normal copy of the gene is still functional, allowing the organism to compensate for the loss of function caused by the mutated allele.
2. Gain-of-function mutations can complement or mask the effects of the loss-of-function mutations, further reducing their impact.
3. Loss-of-function mutations are relatively rare occurrences in a population.