* Genes come in pairs: We inherit one copy of each gene from our mother and one from our father.
* Alleles: Different versions of a gene are called alleles.
* Dominant vs. Recessive: A dominant allele will always express its trait, even if the other allele is different. A recessive allele will only express its trait if both copies of the gene are recessive.
Example:
* Eye color: The gene for eye color has multiple alleles, but let's focus on two: Brown eyes (B) and blue eyes (b).
* Brown eyes are dominant: This means someone with the alleles BB or Bb will have brown eyes.
* Blue eyes are recessive: Someone with the alleles bb will have blue eyes.
So, to be dominant, a gene needs to be able to express its trait even when paired with a different allele.
Key points about dominant genes:
* Not always "better": Dominant genes aren't necessarily "better" than recessive ones. They simply express themselves more readily.
* Many traits are complex: Many traits are influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors, not just a single dominant gene.
* Important for inheritance: Understanding dominant and recessive genes is crucial for understanding how traits are passed down through families.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
