Select the word or phrase that will make the sentence correct: 'The healthcare provider explained to the new parents that they had a gene in their family, which caused the infant's hereditary disease.'

Rationale

Recessive

The gene responsible for the hereditary disease in the infant is described as recessive, meaning two copies of the gene must be present for the trait or condition to manifest. In genetics, recessive genes can be carried by parents without affecting their own health, only causing a condition if both parents pass the recessive gene to their child.

A (selective) YOUR ANSWER

Selective refers to the process by which certain traits are favored or chosen, often in the context of natural or artificial selection. It is not a term used to describe a type of gene in hereditary diseases. The word does not apply to the genetic mechanism involving the inheritance of traits or conditions like a recessive gene does.

B (recessive) CORRECT

Recessive genes require that an individual inherit two copies of the gene, one from each parent, for the associated trait or condition to develop. This genetic mechanism is responsible for many hereditary diseases, where carriers of the gene do not exhibit symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring.

C (regressive) YOUR ANSWER

Regressive is often used to describe a return to a previous state or less developed condition, rather than a type of gene. It does not apply to the genetic inheritance patterns that determine whether a disease manifests in an infant, such as with recessive genes.

D (objective) YOUR ANSWER

Objective is a term that typically refers to an unbiased and balanced perspective or goal. It is unrelated to genetic inheritance and cannot be used to describe a gene influencing hereditary diseases.

Conclusion

In genetics, recessive genes are those that require two copies for their associated trait or condition to be expressed, as seen in many hereditary diseases. The term accurately describes the genetic cause of the infant's condition in the scenario, while other options like selective, regressive, and objective do not pertain to genetic inheritance patterns. Understanding the role of recessive genes is crucial for comprehending how certain genetic conditions are passed down in families.

Select the word or phrase that will make the sentence correct: 'The healthcare provider explained to the new parents that they had a gene in their family, which caused the infant's hereditary disease.'

Recessive

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