Dominant Traits
What is a dominant trait?
A dominant trait is a trait that is expressed even when only one copy of the allele is present.
What is a recessive trait?
A recessive trait is a trait that is only expressed in the phenotype when two copies of the recessive allele are present.
What is a Punnett Square used for?
A Punnett Square is used to predict the possible genetic combinations of offspring from a cross between two parents.
What is heredity?
Heredity is the passing of traits from parents to their offspring through genes.
Give an example of a dominant trait in humans.
An example of a dominant trait in humans is brown eyes.
Can a recessive trait be expressed in an individual? If so, how?
Yes, a recessive trait can be expressed if an individual has two recessive alleles (homozygous recessive).
How do you set up a Punnett Square?
To set up a Punnett Square write the alleles of one parent across the top and the alleles of the other parent along the side, then fill in the squares based on the combinations.
How do genes play a role in heredity?
Genes are segments of DNA that code for traits and are responsible for heredity.
How can you tell if a trait is dominant?
A trait is dominant if it shows up even if the recessive gene is present
What is the genotype of an individual expressing a recessive trait?
The genotype of an individual expressing a recessive trait is typically represented as lowercase letters
In a Punnett Square, what do the letters represent?
In a Punnett Square, the letters represent the alleles contributed by each parent.
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?
The genotype refers to the genetic makeup (alleles) of an individual, while the phenotype is the observable expression of those genes.
What happens to a recessive trait when a dominant trait is present?
When a dominant trait is present, the recessive trait is typically not expressed
Describe a scenario in which a recessive trait could be passed down through generations.
A scenario could be that both parents carry the recessive allele for a trait (heterozygous), and they pass it down to their child, who expresses the recessive trait.
In a Punnett Square showing a cross between a homozygous dominant and a homozygous recessive parent what are the odds you can get the recessive trait?
Zero percent.
Why is understanding heredity important in biology?
Understanding heredity is important in biology because it explains how traits are inherited and how genetic diversity occurs.
Explain how the concept of dominant traits affects inheritance
Dominant traits affect inheritance by determining which traits are likely to be passed on and expressed in the offspring when paired with recessive traits.
Discuss the importance of recessive traits in genetic variation.
Recessive traits are important for genetic variation as they can remain hidden in organisms and reappear in future generations.
Explain how a Punnett Square can predict offspring traits.
A Punnett Square can predict offspring traits by showing the probability of each allele combination from the parents.
Discuss the role of chromosomes in heredity.
Chromosomes carry genes and are critical in heredity as they are how genetic information is passed on in reproduction.