What are the two types of alleles?

The two types of alleles are dominant and recessive. Dominant alleles are the versions of a gene that can express their traits even when only one copy is present in the genotype. This means that if a dominant allele is paired with a recessive allele, the dominant trait will be observed in the phenotype. Conversely, recessive alleles require two copies (homozygous) to manifest their traits in the organism. When a dominant allele is inherited alongside a recessive allele, the dominant allele will determine the physical appearance or phenotype.

In genetics, understanding the relationship between dominant and recessive alleles is crucial, as it explains how traits are passed from parents to offspring and how various traits may be expressed or hidden in different generations. This foundational concept is essential for studying inheritance patterns and the broader field of genetics.