Recessive Allele
Definition
A recessive allele is a version of a gene that does not express itself when paired with a dominant allele. It only shows its effect if two copies are present in the organism's genetic makeup.
Analogy
Think of the recessive allele as the quiet kid in class. When they're paired with an outgoing, dominant student (the dominant allele), their ideas might not be heard. But when there are two quiet kids together, their ideas can shine through.
Related terms
Dominant Allele: This is the version of a gene that will always express itself when present, even if there's only one copy.
Homozygous: This term describes an organism that has two identical alleles for a particular trait.
Heterozygous: This refers to an organism that has two different alleles for a particular trait.
"Recessive Allele" appears in:
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