Recessive Alleles

Recessive alleles are versions of a gene that only influence a trait when an individual inherits two copies—one from each parent. If a person has one recessive and one dominant allele, the dominant trait typically shows. Recessive traits often appear less frequently in a population because they require both copies of the recessive allele to be present. Examples include certain eye colors or genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis. The presence of a recessive allele alone doesn't usually affect appearance or health unless paired with another identical recessive allele.