3. Why is the allele for albinism recessive? (Explain in molecular terms.)?

Answer 1

I believe albinism results from the lack of an enzyme needed to produce melanin - the pigment that creates color in the skin, hair, etc.

If you receive one 'working' allele for this enzyme, you will not be subject to albinism because you can make the enzyme. This condition requires the total absence of the enzyme, therefore, both alleles must be defective (or missing). When both alleles need to be abnormal, a phenotype is considered to be recessive.

Hope this helps you. Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 2

Not too sure about molecular terms, but here's my opinion.

If it was a dominant allele, than back in anciet times before sunscreen, they would have been wiped out by skin cancer and harsh sunburns. But since it's recessive, it was carried through those times without being lost.