In Mendelian genetics, what does the genotype for a trait bb represent?

• A. A heterozygous genotype (one dominant allele and one recessive allele) for that trait
• B. A homozygous recessive genotype (two recessive alleles) for that trait
• C. A genotype that guarantees the dominant phenotype regardless of allele interactions
• D. A homozygous dominant genotype (two dominant alleles) for that trait

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that in Mendelian genetics, alleles are represented by letters where uppercase letters denote dominant alleles and lowercase letters denote recessive alleles.
2. Understand that a genotype consists of two alleles for a given trait, one inherited from each parent.
3. Identify that the genotype 'bb' consists of two lowercase letters, indicating two recessive alleles.
4. Recognize that having two identical recessive alleles means the genotype is homozygous recessive.
5. Conclude that a homozygous recessive genotype (bb) typically results in the expression of the recessive phenotype for that trait.