Which statement correctly describes heterozygous individuals?

Which statement correctly describes heterozygous individuals?

• A. They carry two identical alleles
• B. They carry one dominant and one recessive allele
• C. They are always phenotypically recessive
• D. They can only produce homozygous offspring

Answer: (B)

Heterozygous individuals are characterized by having two different alleles for a particular trait—one dominant allele and one recessive allele. This genetic configuration means that the dominant allele will usually determine the phenotype, or observable characteristic, of the individual. For example, if the dominant allele is associated with a trait like brown eyes and the recessive allele is associated with blue eyes, the heterozygous individual will exhibit brown eyes due to the presence of the dominant allele. The other options do not accurately describe heterozygous individuals. Carrying two identical alleles pertains to homozygous individuals. Being phenotypically recessive is not correct since heterozygous individuals typically display the dominant phenotype. Additionally, heterozygous individuals can produce a variety of offspring, including both homozygous and heterozygous offspring, depending on their mating with other homozygous or heterozygous individuals. This highlights the diversity in genotype and phenotype that can arise from heterozygosity.

Heterozygous individuals are characterized by having two different alleles for a particular trait—one dominant allele and one recessive allele. This genetic configuration means that the dominant allele will usually determine the phenotype, or observable characteristic, of the individual. For example, if the dominant allele is associated with a trait like brown eyes and the recessive allele is associated with blue eyes, the heterozygous individual will exhibit brown eyes due to the presence of the dominant allele.

The other options do not accurately describe heterozygous individuals. Carrying two identical alleles pertains to homozygous individuals. Being phenotypically recessive is not correct since heterozygous individuals typically display the dominant phenotype. Additionally, heterozygous individuals can produce a variety of offspring, including both homozygous and heterozygous offspring, depending on their mating with other homozygous or heterozygous individuals. This highlights the diversity in genotype and phenotype that can arise from heterozygosity.