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Recessive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recessive

[rษชหˆsษ›sษชv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

genetics, traits

Recessive refers to an allele or trait that is not expressed when a dominant allele is present. In genetics, a recessive trait will only manifest in the phenotype if the organism has two copies of the recessive allele, one inherited from each parent. This is often discussed in the context of Mendelian inheritance, where recessive traits are typically represented by lowercase letters. Recessive conditions may involve various genetic disorders and are often inherited in a straightforward manner.

Synonyms

hidden, latent, subdued.

Examples of usage

  • The child has a recessive genetic disorder.
  • Albinism is a recessive trait.
  • Both parents must carry the recessive gene for it to appear in offspring.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Genetics

  • In genetics, a recessive trait needs two copies of the gene to be visible, unlike dominant traits that need just one.
  • The classic example of a recessive trait is blue eyes, which only appear if both parents pass on the blue gene.
  • Recessive alleles can remain hidden for generations but can reappear when two carriers have offspring.

Medical Science

  • Many genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia, are caused by recessive alleles.
  • Carrier screening is essential for recessive diseases to identify if individuals can pass on harmful genes without showing symptoms.

Evolution

  • Recessive traits can enhance genetic diversity within a population, allowing for better adaptation over time.
  • Evolutionary pressures can shift the prominence of recessive traits based on environmental changes.

Education

  • Understanding recessive genetics is critical for fields like agriculture, where breeding for specific traits is common.
  • Students often learn about recessive and dominant traits through simple experiments with pea plants, as demonstrated by Gregor Mendel.

Origin of 'recessive'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'recessive' comes from the Latin word 'recessus,' meaning 'to go back or withdraw.'
  • The word was first used in the context of genetics in the early 20th century, reflecting the trait's hidden nature.

The term 'recessive' originates from the Latin 'recessivus,' which is derived from 'recessus,' meaning 'to withdraw' or 'to retreat.' Its use in the context of genetics became more prominent in the early 20th century with the foundational work of Gregor Mendel, who established the basic principles of heredity. Mendelโ€™s studies on pea plants demonstrated how certain traits could be dominant or recessive in offspring, laying the groundwork for modern genetics. Over time, the term evolved within the scientific community to specifically denote alleles that manifest solely in the absence of dominant ones. The understanding of recessive traits has contributed greatly to fields such as genetic counseling, evolutionary biology, and medical genetics, informing how we comprehend and treat genetic disorders.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,002, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.