A boy named Arjun has straight hair. His mother has wavy hair. Explain, using the terms 'dominant' and 'recessive', why Arjun might have straight hair.
Answer
Arjun inherited a dominant straight hair allele from his father and a recessive wavy hair allele from his mother.
The correct answer is Arjun inherited a dominant straight hair allele from his father and a recessive wavy hair allele from his mother. — Step 3: The recessive wavy hair allele from his mother remains masked because the dominant allele overrides it.
Step-by-step solution
- Step 1: Recognize that straight hair can be a dominant trait and wavy hair a recessive trait.
- Step 2: Arjun receives one allele from each parent. If the straight hair allele (dominant) comes from his father, it will be expressed.
- Step 3: The recessive wavy hair allele from his mother remains masked because the dominant allele overrides it.
Common mistake: Assuming both parents must carry the same trait allele.
Concept tested: Dominant and recessive allele interaction
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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