In the context of genetics, if an organism exhibits a recessive trait, what is its genotype?

• A. Homozygous recessive
• B. Homozygous dominant
• C. Hemizygous
• D. Heterozygous

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of dominant and recessive traits: In genetics, traits are determined by alleles, which are different forms of a gene. Dominant alleles mask the expression of recessive alleles when both are present.
2. Define genotype: Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, specifically the alleles present at a particular gene locus.
3. Identify the genotype for recessive traits: For an organism to exhibit a recessive trait, it must have two copies of the recessive allele, as the presence of a dominant allele would mask the recessive trait.
4. Recognize the term 'homozygous recessive': This term describes an organism that has two identical recessive alleles for a particular gene, allowing the recessive trait to be expressed.
5. Eliminate other options: Homozygous dominant refers to two dominant alleles, heterozygous refers to one dominant and one recessive allele, and hemizygous typically refers to having only one allele of a gene, often seen in sex-linked traits.