If a trait is dominant, what is a possible phenotype representation?

If a trait is dominant, what is a possible phenotype representation?

• A. Only homozygous dominant individuals express the trait.
• B. All offspring will express the trait if one parent has it.
• C. Both homozygous dominant and heterozygous individuals can express the trait.
• D. Recessive traits will be expressed in all cases.

Answer: (C)

A dominant trait means that only one copy of the allele is needed for the trait to be expressed in an individual. This trait can be represented phenotypically in individuals who are either homozygous dominant or heterozygous for that trait, meaning they have two identical dominant alleles or one dominant and one recessive allele, respectively. In the case of homozygous dominant individuals, they possess two dominant alleles and thus express the dominant phenotype. Heterozygous individuals, on the other hand, will express the dominant phenotype due to the presence of at least one dominant allele, overriding the influence of the recessive allele. Therefore, individuals with either genotype will show the dominant trait in their phenotype. This understanding of dominance and phenotype representation is crucial in genetics, particularly in predicting the outcomes of crosses in Mendelian inheritance.

A dominant trait means that only one copy of the allele is needed for the trait to be expressed in an individual. This trait can be represented phenotypically in individuals who are either homozygous dominant or heterozygous for that trait, meaning they have two identical dominant alleles or one dominant and one recessive allele, respectively.

In the case of homozygous dominant individuals, they possess two dominant alleles and thus express the dominant phenotype. Heterozygous individuals, on the other hand, will express the dominant phenotype due to the presence of at least one dominant allele, overriding the influence of the recessive allele. Therefore, individuals with either genotype will show the dominant trait in their phenotype.

This understanding of dominance and phenotype representation is crucial in genetics, particularly in predicting the outcomes of crosses in Mendelian inheritance.