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

RW
Answered by Ruth W. Biology tutor

3543 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What occurs during an action potential in a neuron?


What is the difference between the pulmonary and systemic circuits of the cardiovascular system?


What is the structure of cellulose (polysaccharide)?


Define "cellular immune response".


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences