Department of Energy Argonne National Laboratory Office of Science NEWTON's Homepage NEWTON's Homepage
NEWTON, Ask A Scientist!
NEWTON Home Page NEWTON Teachers Visit Our Archives Ask A Question How To Ask A Question Question of the Week Our Expert Scientists Volunteer at NEWTON! Frequently Asked Questions Referencing NEWTON About NEWTON About Ask A Scientist Education At Argonne Recessive Genes: Common 
Name: Darsha 
Status: Student
Age: 13
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2001
Question:
Why are recessive genes more common then dominant genes?


Replies:
Are you asking why recessive genes CAN be more common than dominant ones? Or why ARE they more common? They aren't more common in general, but there are situations where a recessive gene is more common. It depends on what the gene does for one thing. Blue eyes is recessive but it is common in the population. One reason is because it's not fatal to have blue eyes and in some cases it increases chances for mating ( ie. some people find them more attractive!) The gene for Huntington disease is dominant but most people don't have it, so recessive is most common. Type O blood is recessive, but it is the most common in the population.

vanhoeck


Click here to return to the Molecular Biology Archives

NEWTON is an electronic community for Science, Math, and Computer Science K-12 Educators, sponsored and operated by Argonne National Laboratory's Educational Programs, Andrew Skipor, Ph.D., Head of Educational Programs.

For assistance with NEWTON contact a System Operator (help@newton.dep.anl.gov), or at Argonne's Educational Programs

NEWTON AND ASK A SCIENTIST
Educational Programs
Building 360
9700 S. Cass Ave.
Argonne, Illinois
60439-4845, USA
Update: June 2012
Weclome To Newton

Argonne National Laboratory