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Mutations are changes in the DNA. A mutation can change a gene slightly,

giving a different allele. The new allele can code for a slightly

different protein. If the normal allele codes for an active enzyme, the

new allele may still code for the same active enzyme, may code for an

inactive protein, or may code for an active enzyme that catalyzes a

different reaction. Of these options, coding for the same active enzyme

may be the most common, but then we don't usually notice there's been a

mutation. Coding for an inactive protein is the next most likely outcome.

So, most of the time when there is a mutation that produces any noticeable

effect at all, it produces an allele that codes for an inactive protein. A

heterozygote Aa produces some active enzyme and some inactive protein.

Most often, one "dose" of active enzyme catalyzes the normal reaction

enough to produce a normal appearance, so we say that the allele A is

dominant, and the mutant allele a is recessive.

There are plenty of exceptions. Certain types of dwarfism in humans are

caused by a dominant mutant allele, for instance. Still, it's probably

true that the majority of mutant alleles are recessive.

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Why are most mutations in eukaryotes recessive?

Most mutations in eukaryotes are recessive because they typically involve changes in a single gene, and the presence of a normal copy of the gene can often mask the effects of the mutated gene. This means that the mutated gene is only expressed when both copies of the gene are mutated, resulting in a recessive trait.


Why are most mutations in eukaryotes recessive?

Most mutations in eukaryotes are recessive because for a mutation to be expressed phenotypically, it typically needs to be present in a homozygous state. In a heterozygous individual, the presence of one normal allele usually masks the effects of the mutated allele, leading to a recessive trait.


Why do most mutations in eukaryotes exhibit a recessive inheritance pattern?

Most mutations in eukaryotes exhibit a recessive inheritance pattern because they typically involve changes in a single gene, and the presence of a normal copy of the gene can often mask the effects of the mutated gene. This means that individuals with one normal and one mutated copy of the gene will not show the effects of the mutation, leading to a recessive inheritance pattern.


Is mutation dominate or recessive?

it depends on what mutation you speak of. some are and some are not.


Is apert syndrome dominant or recessive?

Apert syndrome is typically caused by a sporadic mutation in the FGFR2 gene and is not inherited in a simple dominant or recessive manner. It is considered an autosomal dominant condition, with most cases arising from new mutations.

Related Questions

Are human limb mutations dominant or recessive?

Human limb mutations can be either dominant or recessive, depending on the specific gene involved. Typically, mutations that cause limb abnormalities are rare and can be caused by mutations in either dominant or recessive genes. Dominant mutations require only one copy of the mutated gene to be expressed, while recessive mutations require both copies to be mutated for the trait to be expressed.


Why are most mutations in eukaryotes recessive?

Most mutations in eukaryotes are recessive because they typically involve changes in a single gene, and the presence of a normal copy of the gene can often mask the effects of the mutated gene. This means that the mutated gene is only expressed when both copies of the gene are mutated, resulting in a recessive trait.


Are all mutations dominant?

No, not all mutations are dominant. Mutations can be dominant, recessive, or have incomplete dominance depending on how they affect the resulting trait and how they interact with other genes in the organism. Dominant mutations are expressed even if there is only one copy of the mutated gene, while recessive mutations require two copies to be expressed.


How are mutations returned to normal in an organism?

Mutations on recessive genes return to normal in an organism


Why aren't somatic mutations passed on to the next generation?

Somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells and are not passed on to offspring because they do not affect the germline cells (sperm and eggs) that give rise to the next generation. Only mutations in the germline cells can be inherited by offspring.


Why are most mutations in eukaryotes recessive?

Most mutations in eukaryotes are recessive because for a mutation to be expressed phenotypically, it typically needs to be present in a homozygous state. In a heterozygous individual, the presence of one normal allele usually masks the effects of the mutated allele, leading to a recessive trait.


Why do most mutations in eukaryotes exhibit a recessive inheritance pattern?

Most mutations in eukaryotes exhibit a recessive inheritance pattern because they typically involve changes in a single gene, and the presence of a normal copy of the gene can often mask the effects of the mutated gene. This means that individuals with one normal and one mutated copy of the gene will not show the effects of the mutation, leading to a recessive inheritance pattern.


Is mutation dominate or recessive?

it depends on what mutation you speak of. some are and some are not.


What kind of pattern of inheritance of cystic fibrosis?

Inheritance - Autosomal recessive, requires mutations on both alleles - A single gene on chromosome 7, which encodes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator - There are over 1000 different mutations for this gene - The most common is Delta F508, which makes up 67% of all mutations in the Caucasian population - Caucasians most effected


What causes zellweger syndrome?

Zellweger syndrome is caused by mutations in any one of at least 12 genes ; mutations in the PEX1 gene are the most common cause. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. There is no cure for Zellweger syndrome; treatment is generally symptomatic and supportive.


Cystic fibrosis is it monosomy 21?

No. Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations found on chromosome 7.


What are the causes of PXE?

PXE is caused by changes in the genetic material, called mutations, that are inherited in either a dominant or recessive mode.