RECESSIVENESS Meaning and
Definition
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Recessiveness refers to a genetic trait or allele that does not show its effects or is only observed under certain circumstances, typically when it is present in a double dose. It is a concept used in the field of genetics and inheritance to describe the relationship between different versions of genes, known as alleles.
In genetics, an individual inherits two copies of each gene, one from each parent. These versions can be either dominant or recessive. A dominant allele is expressed and masks the effects of any recessive allele when both are present. On the other hand, a recessive allele is only observable when an individual inherits two copies of it, meaning they have no dominant allele to mask its appearance.
Recessiveness is often depicted using uppercase and lowercase letters, with the uppercase letter representing a dominant allele and the lowercase letter representing a recessive allele. For example, in many genetic traits, the allele for brown eyes (B) is dominant over the allele for blue eyes (b). Therefore, an individual with the genotype BB or Bb will have brown eyes, while an individual with the genotype bb will have blue eyes.
Understanding the concept of recessiveness is crucial in genetic counseling, selective breeding, and evolutionary studies. It helps explain how certain genetic traits are inherited or become prevalent in populations, as well as how they may be hidden or revealed across generations.
Common Misspellings for RECESSIVENESS
Etymology of RECESSIVENESS
The word "recessiveness" is derived from the noun "recessive" and the suffix "-ness".
The noun "recessive" originates from the Latin verb "recedere", meaning "to go back" or "to recede". In the context of genetics, the term "recessive" describes a trait or characteristic that is not expressed or observed in an individual when a dominant trait is present.
The suffix "-ness" in English often forms nouns that indicate a state or quality, turning the adjective "recessive" into the noun "recessiveness". Consequently, "recessiveness" refers to the state or quality of being recessive, particularly in genetics.
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