Question

question 2 1 pts what is the difference between a recessive allele and a dominant allele. a. dominant alleles are always passed down to offspring, recessive alleles are only sometimes passed down b. dominant alleles are stronger and result in better traits than recessive alleles c. dominant alleles are expressed no matter what other allele they are paired with, recessive alleles only show if they are paired with another recessive allele d. recessive alleles are the only ones who carry genetic diseases and dominant alleles are always healthy

Explanation:

• Option A: Both dominant and recessive alleles have a 50% chance of being passed down during gamete formation (Mendel's law of segregation). So this option is incorrect.
• Option B: Dominant and recessive are terms related to expression, not about being "stronger" or having "better traits". For example, the allele for Huntington's disease (a dominant disorder) is not a "better" trait. This option is wrong.
• Option C: According to Mendelian genetics, a dominant allele masks the expression of a recessive allele. So, if an organism has a dominant allele (e.g., \(A\)) and a recessive allele (e.g., \(a\)) (\(Aa\) genotype), the dominant trait (determined by \(A\)) is expressed. A recessive trait is only expressed when there are two recessive alleles (\(aa\) genotype). This option is correct.
• Option D: Both dominant (e.g., Huntington's - dominant) and recessive (e.g., cystic fibrosis - recessive) alleles can be associated with genetic diseases. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Dominant alleles are expressed no matter what other allele they are paired with, recessive alleles only show if they are paired with another recessive allele