What is genetic dominance?

Genes are sections of our DNA that have a specific genetic code.  When you're born you get a copy of each gene from your mother and a copy of each gene from your father.  These copies are called alleles.  For each gene you get 2 copies of each allele and these can be dominant, receissive or co-dominant.

If you have 2 dominant alleles e.g. RR (red colour in plant), then the plant would be red.

If you have 2 recessive alleles e.g. rr (white colour) then the plant would be white.

If you have 1 dominant and 1 recessive  e.g. Rr then the plant would be red as the dominant allele is always shown.

Incomplete dominance  is where neither allele is dominant e.g. R = red, W = white.  Both alleles are expressed and contribute equally to the phenotype (or colour).  So RR = red, WW = white and RW = pink.

Co-dominance is where both alleles are dominant e.g. Blood Type AB

Answered by Ruth W. Biology tutor

3183 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I get an A* in biology?


What are some differences between RNA and DNA?


Why does the nervous system have synapses if they slow down transmission?


Compare and contrast the structures and starch and cellulose and explain how these relate to their functions in the cell


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences