Dominant

Definition

In the context of patterns of inheritance, a dominant trait is one that is expressed in the phenotype even when only one copy of its gene is present. It masks the expression of a recessive allele when both are present in an individual.

Related terms

Recessive:

A recessive trait is one that is not expressed in the phenotype unless two copies of its gene are present, effectively being masked by dominant traits when paired together.

Genotype:

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, indicating which alleles it possesses for a particular trait.

Phenotype:

Phenotype describes the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, resulting from the interaction between its genotype and the environment