Question

Are wild type phenotypes necessarily dominant phenotypes? Are mutant phenotypes necessarily recessive phenotypes?

A)YES
B)NO

Answer 1

Wild type phenotypes are not necessarily dominant, and mutant phenotypes are not necessarily recessive. Some mutant alleles can be dominant and interfere with the expression of the wild type phenotype.

Step-by-step explanation:

Wild type phenotypes are not necessarily dominant phenotypes. The wild type phenotype is considered the standard or norm and can be either dominant or recessive to the mutant phenotypes. Similarly, mutant phenotypes are not necessarily recessive phenotypes. Some mutant alleles can be dominant over all other phenotypes, including the wild type. For example, the mutant allele may interfere with the genetic message, enhancing the function of the wild-type gene product or changing its distribution in the body, leading to the expression of the mutant phenotype even in heterozygotes.