Question

Which of the following statements correctly explains Mendel's law of dominance?

• A. Both alleles express equally in F\(_1\) generation
• B. Dominant allele suppresses the expression of recessive allele in heterozygous condition
• C. Recessive allele always disappears permanently
• D. Traits blend together in offspring

Hint:

Remember the core of dominance: in heterozygotes, the dominant allele's trait is expressed, while the recessive allele's trait is hidden but not lost. Contrast this with incomplete dominance (blending) and codominance (both expressed).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the correct explanation of Mendel's Law of Dominance, a fundamental principle of genetics.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Mendel's Law of Dominance: This law states that in a pair of contrasting traits (alleles), one allele (the dominant allele) will mask or suppress the expression of the other allele (the recessive allele) in a heterozygous individual (an individual carrying both alleles). The dominant trait will be expressed in the phenotype.
Option Analysis:
- (A) "Both alleles express equally in F\(_1\) generation": This describes codominance or incomplete dominance, not simple dominance. In dominance, only the dominant allele expresses.
- (B) "Dominant allele suppresses the expression of recessive allele in heterozygous condition": This perfectly defines the Law of Dominance. The recessive allele is present but phenotypically unexpressed.
- (C) "Recessive allele always disappears permanently": The recessive allele is suppressed in the phenotype but is not destroyed; it can be passed on to the next generation and reappear if two recessive alleles are inherited.
- (D) "Traits blend together in offspring": This describes blending inheritance, an outdated concept that Mendel's work disproved.
Therefore, option (B) correctly explains the law of dominance.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Dominant allele suppresses the expression of recessive allele in heterozygous condition.