Explain autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance

Autosomal dominant inheritance means that a condition or disease means that a genetic condition is caused when an individual inherits one copy of the condition gene from their parents. Children inherit two copies of each gene, one from each biological parent. So if a condition is autosomal dominant a child could inherit one 'healthy' copy and one 'faulty' copy but would have the condition. For autosomal recessive conditions two copies of the 'faulty' gene must be inherited, so one from each parent. If someone inherits one 'faulty' gene and one 'healthy' this would make them a carrier. For a child to inherit a recessive condition both their parents must be carriers of the condition.

LG
Answered by Lydia G. Biology tutor

4334 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does the circulatory system work?


menstrual cycle and contraceptive pills


Infections can also be caused by viruses. Describe the lytic pathway of a virus and how this causes the spread of infection through a population.


i) Briefly explain the difference between anaerobic and aerobic respiration (2). ii) Which of these reactions produce more energy and briefly describe why?(2)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning