Dominant: A dominant allele is an allele that is expressed phenotypically when present in either the heterozygous (one dominant and one recessive allele) or hom*ozygous (two dominant alleles) state.
Recessive: A recessive allele is an allele that is expressed phenotypically only when present in the hom*ozygous state (two recessive alleles).
Let's understand more about it by going through their facts and how they are important. In this way, I will be able to explain dominant and recessive in more detail.
Interesting Facts about Dominant and Recessive
Dominant traits are genetic characteristics that are visibly expressed in individuals even if they possess only one copy of the dominant allele. Recessive traits are genetic characteristics that are expressed only when an individual inherits two copies of the recessive allele. Let's learn some interesting facts about Dominant and Recessive.
Dominant alleles are not necessarily more common than recessive alleles. The prevalence of a specific allele in a population depends on various factors such as natural selection and genetic drift.
Some genetic disorders and diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia, are caused by recessive alleles. These conditions require the presence of two recessive alleles for the disease to manifest.
Traits controlled by dominant alleles tend to be more easily observed in offspring, while traits controlled by recessive alleles may be hidden in certain generations. This can lead to surprises when traits reappear in later generations.
Dominant and recessive traits are determined by the interaction of alleles at specific gene loci. Other factors, such as gene dosage and gene interactions, can also influence the expression of traits.
These facts guide us towards understanding the dominant and recessive difference.
Difference Between Dominant and Recessive
Below table explains the dominant and recessive difference in different categories:
S.No | Category | Dominant | Recessive |
1. | Expression | Expressed in both heterozygous and hom*ozygous states. | Expressed only in the hom*ozygous state. |
2. | Masking | Masks the expression of recessive alleles. | Can be masked by the presence of a dominant allele. |
3. | Inheritance | Can be inherited from one parent. | Can be inherited from both parents. |
4. | Phenotype | More likely to be expressed in the phenotype. | Less likely to be expressed in the phenotype unless in the hom*ozygous state. |
5. | Occurrence | Dominant traits can be more common in populations. | Recessive traits are typically less common in populations. |
6. | Relationship to Disease | Dominant alleles can contribute to the development of certain genetic disorders. | Recessive alleles are more commonly associated with genetic disorders when two copies are present. |
Characteristics of dominant and recessive
Dominant Traits are Visibly expressed, strong influence on phenotype, widespread distribution. Recessive Traits are hidden unless two copies inherited, sporadic distribution, delayed expression in hom*ozygous individuals.
Dominant traits are characterised by their ability to be expressed in individuals who possess at least one copy of the dominant allele. This means that even if an individual carries one dominant allele and one recessive allele, the dominant trait will be observed in their phenotype. Dominant traits tend to be more easily observed in offspring due to their ability to mask the presence of recessive alleles. Examples of dominant traits include dark hair colour, attached earlobes, and the ability to roll the tongue.
Recessive traits, on the other hand, are only expressed when an individual carries two copies of the recessive allele. In the presence of a dominant allele, the recessive trait remains hidden in the phenotype. Recessive traits tend to be less common in populations compared to dominant traits, as they require both copies of the recessive allele for expression. Examples of recessive traits include blue eye colour, freckles, and the ability to taste a certain chemical compound called phenylthiocarbamide (PTC).
Summary
Dominant alleles are expressed phenotypically in both the heterozygous and hom*ozygous states, while recessive alleles are only expressed when present in the hom*ozygous state. Dominant alleles mask the expression of recessive alleles. Dominant traits tend to be more easily observed in offspring, while recessive traits may be hidden in certain generations.
