Question

What do you mean by dominant and recessive characters? Explain citing examples

Answer 1

Trait/ Character:

1. A trait/character is a genetically determined attribute or condition.
2. It is the trait that is inherited from the parent to the child.

Dominant character:

1. The gene which is expressed is referred to as the dominant gene and the character controlled by it is called the dominant character.
2. It is expressed even when only one copy of an allele for a specific character in the gene is present, i.e., it is expressed in the heterozygous condition.
3. For example- the hybrid tall(Tt) pea plant bears one gene for tallness(T) and one gene for dwarfness(t). Here, tall(T) is the dominant character.

Recessive character:

1. The gene which remains hidden or unexpressed is known as a recessive gene and the character controlled by it is called the recessive character.
2. In the presence of a dominant allele, a recessive allele or factor is unable to express its influence.
3. For example- the hybrid tall(Tt) pea plant bears one gene for tallness(T) and one gene for dwarfness(t). Here, tall(T) is the recessive character.