Question

Is it possible that a trait gets inherited, but not expressed? Give an example to justify your answer.

Answer 1

Trait Inheritance and Expression
A trait can be inherited without being expressed. This occurs when an organism possesses the gene for a trait in its genotype but it does not manifest in its phenotype (observable characteristics). This is typically due to allele dominance or recessiveness.

Illustrative Example: Sickle Cell Anemia
A pertinent example is the inheritance of recessive genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia. This disorder is caused by a recessive allele, requiring an individual to inherit two copies (one from each parent) for the condition to be expressed.
- An individual inheriting one dominant normal allele and one recessive sickle cell allele will not exhibit symptoms, as the normal allele prevails. Nevertheless, they are a carrier and can transmit the sickle cell trait to their offspring.

Summary
This principle demonstrates that a trait can be inherited (via a recessive allele) but will only be expressed in the phenotype if both copies of the recessive allele are present.