recessive gene

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recessive gene A gene whose phenotypic effect is expressed in the homozygous state but is masked in the presence of the dominant allele (i.e. when the organism is heterozygous for that gene). Usually the dominant gene produces a functional product whereas the recessive allele does not. Both one dose and two doses per nucleus of the dominant allele therefore lead to expression of its phenotype, whereas the recessive allele is observed only in the complete absence of the dominant allele.

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