What is the difference between dominant and recessive alleles?
Genetics is the study of hereditary and a lot of students are finding it tough to comprehend some of the terms used in the topic.
The lesson provides some insightful information about the difference between dominant and recessive alleles. Take the time to read through the article.
What Are Dominant Alleles?
Dominant alleles are those genes that ultimately determine the expression traits. Research shows that they are genes that are mostly found in the majority of the population.
Also, dominant genes tend to carry good character but this is not always true to some extent.
Therefore, when a dominant gene is paired with a recessive gene then the dominant alleles will determine the character.
What Are Recessive Alleles?
Recessive alleles are those genes that are normally masked by the dominant genes. They only express their traits in the absence of dominant alleles.
According to research, there are some traits in an individual that are controlled by two dominant and one allele. This is the reason why a small population only show recessive genes in the world.
Comparison Chart: Dominant Alleles vs Recessive Alleles
| Basic Terms | Dominant Alleles | Recessive Alleles |
| Character | Determines the dominant character | Determines the recessive character. |
| F1 Generation | Tend to express the main traits | It only shows when the dominant character is absent. |
| Population | Occur frequently in a large population | Tend to occur rarely in a population. |
| Superiority | Determine the superior character | Determine the inferior character |
| Documentation | Written in uppercase like T | Written in lowercase like t |
| Example | Brown eyes trait, A and B blood type | Blue eyes trait, O blood type |
| Lifespan | Tend to pass down traits to the future generation | The traits tend to disappear after some time. |
Core Difference Between Dominant and Recessive Alleles
- Dominant alleles tend to determine the main character in an individual while the recessive alleles determine the recessive traits.
- Most of the F1 generation normally showcase dominant alleles rather than recessive alleles.
- Most of the large population in the world has dominant alleles while only a small population showcase recessive alleles.
- Dominant allele’s traits can be passed from one generation to another while recessive traits tend to disappear with time.
- People with brown eyes, blood type A and B have dominant traits while those with blue eyes and blood type O have recessive alleles.
- Dominant alleles are documented with uppercase while recessive alleles are documented with lowercase.
- Dominant Alleles are prone to diseases whereas recessive alleles are less prone to diseases
- Dominant alleles are likely to be inherited whereas recessive alleles are not likely to be inherited
- Dominant alleles are written in upper case where recessive alleles are written in lower case
- Examples of dominant alleles are A and B blood group whereas the recessive allele O blood type
Similarities between Dominant Alleles and Recessive Alleles
- Both result in inherited traits
- Both can cause genetic diseases
You May Also Like:
- Difference between Allele and Trait
- Difference between Linkage and Crossing Over
- Difference between Continuous and Discontinuous Variation
- Difference between Codominance and Incomplete Dominance
Comparison Video
Conclusion
There are a lot of dominant and recessive traits chart online. Take the time to research over them and this will help you comprehend most of the terms used in genetics.
All in all, the above difference between dominant and recessive traits will help you have great insight into the two terms.
More Sources and References
Dominance (Genetics). Wikipedia
Introduction to Heredity Review. Khan Academy