In genetics, which term refers to a variant that is observable in the phenotype?

• A. Recessive
• B. Dominant
• C. Heterozygous
• D. Homozygous

Answer: (B)

The term that refers to a variant observable in the phenotype is best represented by dominant alleles. A dominant allele is one that expresses its trait even when only one copy is present in a heterozygous genotype, meaning that it can mask the presence of recessive alleles. This is why traits governed by dominant alleles are more likely to be seen in the organism's phenotype.

In contrast, recessive alleles require two copies (homozygous condition) to be expressed in the phenotype, which makes them less observable in a heterozygous individual. The terms heterozygous and homozygous refer to the genetic makeup describing the presence of different or identical alleles, respectively, rather than directly denoting observable traits.