Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
recessive
Adjective
/rɪˈsɛsɪv/
Definition
A recessive trait is one that is expressed in an individual only when two copies of the gene for that trait are present.
Examples
- In pea plants, the allele for white flowers is recessive compared to the allele for purple flowers.
- To express the recessive trait, the offspring must inherit one recessive allele from each parent.
Meaning
In genetics, recessive refers to a type of gene that will not produce a trait unless both alleles are recessive. If an individual has one dominant allele, the dominant trait will be expressed instead.
Synonyms
- Submissive
- Passive
- Inactive
