RECESSIVE GENE Meaning and
Definition
-
A recessive gene refers to a genetic trait or characteristic that is only expressed in an individual when two copies of the gene are present. In simpler terms, it means that the trait is not visible or observable unless an individual inherits two copies of the recessive gene, one from each parent.
Within an individual's genetic makeup, there are two copies of most genes, one inherited from each parent. These genes are responsible for encoding proteins that determine various traits and characteristics. However, in the case of a recessive gene, the presence of only one copy is usually not sufficient to showcase the corresponding trait.
To exhibit a recessive trait, an individual must inherit two copies of the recessive gene - one from the mother and one from the father. These genes may be present within the individual's genome, but if only one copy is expressed, it is considered a dominant gene or trait, overshadowing the recessive one.
Recessive genes are often denoted with lowercase letters, while dominant genes are represented by uppercase letters. Understanding the characteristics of recessive genes is crucial in predicting the potential occurrence of certain traits in offspring and determining the probability of inherited disorders or conditions. Therefore, comprehending the concept of recessive genes plays a vital role in the field of genetics and inheritance patterns.
Common Misspellings for RECESSIVE GENE
- eecessive gene
- decessive gene
- fecessive gene
- tecessive gene
- 5ecessive gene
- 4ecessive gene
- rwcessive gene
- rscessive gene
- rdcessive gene
- rrcessive gene
- r4cessive gene
- r3cessive gene
- rexessive gene
- revessive gene
- refessive gene
- redessive gene
- recwssive gene
- recsssive gene
- recdssive gene
Etymology of RECESSIVE GENE
The word "recessive" originated from the Latin word "recessus", which means "withdrawn" or "retreating". In genetics, it was first used by the Austrian monk and scientist Gregor Mendel in the 1860s. Mendel conducted experiments with pea plants and discovered that some traits seemingly disappeared in one generation but re-emerged in subsequent generations. He called these traits "recessive" to denote that they appeared in a hidden or withdrawn form in the offspring. Over time, the term "recessive gene" came to be used to describe genes that are not expressed in the presence of a dominant gene, and their effects are only manifested when the individual carries two copies of the recessive gene.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
